Taoiseach Micheál Martin has announced capital funding of €20m for a new specialist palliative care inpatient unit for the Midlands.
The new 20-bed unit, to be developed on the site of Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore, fulfils a Programme for Government commitment to have a hospice serving every region in the country.
Once complete, the hospice will provide essential access to specialist palliative care inpatient services for patients and their families across the Midlands.
Mr Des O’Flynn, Chief Officer of the HSE Midlands Louth Meath, this lunchtime, welcomed the decision.
He said: “This decision is warmly welcomed and represents one of the most significant investments in health care in the Midlands for many years.
“It’s the culmination of many years of work and advocacy by many local organisations and groups and staff within the HSE.
“We’d like to thank the Department of Health and the Government for making this announcement.
“We’d also like to thank the Hospice Groups in the Midlands namely Laois Hospice, Longford Hospice, North Westmeath Hospice, Offaly Hospice and South Westmeath Hospice and all their volunteers who have fundraised for various palliative care initiatives through-out many years including the new hospice.
“In addition, to the above groups, we would like to thank Hooves-4-Hospice, an all-Midlands Group established by the Lions Club in the area who have fundraised specifically for the Midlands Hospice and the Irish Hospice Foundation who have advocated and supported the project since inception.”
The news has also been welcomed with local Senator Pippa Hackett paying tribute to everyone who played their part over the years.
Minister Hackett said: “This project is the fruit of many years planning, fundraising and advocating by people from many walks of life, both voluntary and as part of their work roles.
“Hospice care is something that any of us may require and we can all relate to the need for it in our own region.
“It is with delight that I welcome today’s announcement of €20 million in capital funding for a palliative care unit in Tullamore.
“This Government committed to this important facility and this Government will deliver on that commitment.”
Announcing €20m of capital funding for the project, the Taoiseach said: “I’m delighted to announce this significant milestone for palliative care in the Midlands.
“Our Programme for Government commits to developing a hospice providing essential access to specialist palliative inpatient care for people with life limiting illnesses, and their families.
“I’m aware of the enormous work and commitment that has been provided by voluntary hospice groups and colleagues in the HSE to progress this much needed service over the past 15 years, and the funding contributed to date.
“So, it is hugely welcome that €20m of additional capital funding will further the development of this hospice in the next few years.”
The Midlands Hospice development is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
It will make Tullamore a hub for the provision of specialist palliative care services across the Midlands, including day care, outpatient, inpatient and community services.
The new development will be co-located on a site provided by the HSE at the Midland Regional Hospital.
