The petition on the website change.org is called ‘Help bring David back to Waterford’ and was started by David Duffin’s sister Sharon. At 45 years old, David is living with multiple sclerosis and currently resides in a nursing home in New Ross, Co Wexford, far away from his home in Waterford, said Sharon.
Sharon said David needs daily visits by his family and friends in Waterford. “He rings me 20 times a day for company,” she said.
David has a daughter and three grandchildren and is “missing out on precious memories”.
Though the nursing home is “a lovely place” and the nurses are “very good”, David misses Waterford, said Sharon, who has been buoyed to see 620 supporters sign her petition.
“This relocation was not a choice but a necessity – no nursing home in Waterford was able to accommodate his complex care needs. This separation is causing him significant emotional distress.
“This situation is not only unfair but deeply isolating. He is a Waterford native, born and bred, and like anyone facing such vulnerable times in their life, he deserves the comfort and familiarity of his home, family, and friends.”
At 45 years old David Duffin is living with multiple sclerosis
“We recognise the challenges that nursing homes face in accommodating those with advanced care needs, but we are calling on local health authorities, nursing home administrators, and community leaders to come together to find a solution.
“With compassion, planning, and resources, we believe it is absolutely possible to bring him closer to his roots, to his loved ones.
“Your signature can show support for prioritising community health needs, increasing resources in Waterford for people with multiple sclerosis and in nursing homes, and recognising the human element in healthcare also bringing awareness to the amount of people with multiple sclerosis under the age of 65 living in nursing homes around Ireland.”
David Duffin is living with multiple sclerosis.
News in 90 Seconds – 29th December 2025
The petitioner said that in Ireland, there are over 1,200 people under the age of 65 in nursing homes due to the lack of adaptable housing and appropriate accommodation for these people in Ireland.
“Stand with us to help raise awareness for these people and help bring David back to Waterford so he can be nearer to his family and friends.”