WATCH: Consultant says hospice for Laois is needed 'as soon as possible'

Laois and north Westmeath Hospice groups have commissioned a video to demonstrate the importance of a hospice facility to serve the four counties of Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford.

A planning application for such a facility at Arden Lane in Tullamore, is currently on hold by Offaly County Council who is seeking further information on the proposed development from the HSE.

A statement from North Westmeath and Laois Hospice groups says:

''Level 3-hospice care enables users to experience highest-level end-of-life care in designed accommodation, designed, staffed and equipped to meet their needs. The proposed new level 3 facility will also further enhance the work of the wonderful and dedicated palliative care teams working tirelessly across communities in the four midland counties."

To demonstrate the vital role Level 3 hospices play in end of life care North Westmeath and Laois Hospice groups commissioned a short video that graphically depicts that.

In the video, Dr. Michael Cushen, a vastly experienced and greatly respected palliative care consultant, describes the role specialist palliative care staff perform in end of life care and John Shaw, from Raharney, Co. Westmeath describes the excellent care his sister received at Milford Hospice in Limerick and remarks how much more suitable it would have been had she been able to avail of the care she required closer to home.