Big step imminent for Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath hospice

A PLANNING application for a new Midlands hospice that will serve people from Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath could be lodged early in 2023.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and Laois-Offaly TD Barry Cowen said the aim remains to have the facility in place by the end of 2025.

“I'd hope it'd go for planning early next year, that's the plan,” said Deputy Cowen, speaking after he and Minister Donnelly met hospice campaigners from across the region in Tullamore on Friday afternoon.

The Fianna Fail TD said the hospice in Tullamore will be the centrepiece of an overall package of hospice services and satellite centres across the Midlands.

Deputy Cowen said the objective is now to avoid any delay in the project following the decision to build a hospice in Tullamore: “We want to ensure that's not the case and recognise the work and commitment, the expertise and the professional input there's been to date to arrive at a situation were you've a site picked, you've a design agreed and you can proceed to that stage.”

Fundraising has been taking place for many years by groups such as Laois Hospice, Longford Hospice, North Westmeath Hospice, Offaly Hospice and South Westmeath Hospice.

After meeting representatives, Minister Donnelly described the groups as “amazing” and said they had secured the 20-bed hospice for their region with a service across several levels of need.

“It's going to be the main pillar of a proper palliative care strategy for the the Midlands, including the hospice that'll be here - 20 beds, level 3 - including the next level down, the level 2 beds... And really importantly, community palliative care as well, adult services and paediatric.”

He reiterated a commitment made by An Taoiseach Micheal Martin in September of €20 million towards the project.

“We've made an exception specifically for the Midlands hospice where the State is investing a very large amount of money. The groups we met here today have been fundraising, campaigning and advocating for many years,” said the Minister.

Asked if the hospice building could be provided for €20 million, he said: “We're not putting final figures on anything because obviously as part of this there has to be negotiation with a contractor... there's a very significant investment.”

Minister Donnelly added: “We want to see this open by the end of 2025. That would represent a very speedy delivery. Certainly compared to traditional times.”

He said the public spending code, which the HSE must follow, is no longer fit for purpose.

“I don't think it serves the public, I don't think it serves patients. I understand why it's there but it's too cumbersome, it's too bureaucratic and we need faster ways of building these things.”

The hospice will be constructed on the grounds of Tullamore Hospital on a site close to the Arden Road.

Des O’Flynn, chief officer, community health care Midlands Louth and Meath said: “The development of a new specialist palliative care unit for the Midlands 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.”

Mr O'Flynn added: “We’d like to thank An Taoiseach Micháel Martin, the government and the Department of Health for making this announcement. We’d also like to thank the hospice groups in the midlands, namely North Westmeath Hospice, South Westmeath Hospice, Longford Hospice, Laois Hospice, Offaly Hospice and all their volunteers who have raised funds for various palliative care initiatives throughout many years – including the new hospice.

“In addition, to the above groups, we would like to thank Hooves 4 Hospice, the Midlands group established by the Lions Clubs 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. This important work is a priority for us and we will advance this funding commitment and continue to work with all stakeholders as part of this exciting programme of development works.”