Massive funding boost for Midlands Hospice plan

Plans for a Midlands Hospice have received a massive boost following the announcement of once off funding of €1m for the project.

The announcement by the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, came as part of a national allocation of €10 million in once-off funding for palliative and end-of-life care.

The Midlands Hospice project will benefit from a €1m allocation, the Minister said.

The Midlands (Laois, Offaly, Longford & Westmeath) is the only region in Ireland that does not have a Level 3 Hospice.

The funding will help to progress national priorities, including increasing the equitable access to palliative care services across Ireland.

Funding will also be used to support palliative care services provided by voluntary organisations and support the financial sustainability of the voluntary hospice sector.

Minister Donnelly said: "We are rightly, very proud of our palliative care services in Ireland. We have seen the availability and range of services grow significantly over the last 20 years. At the same time, we are aware that the provision of services is not equally spread across the country. I have secured €3 million of this once-off funding to progress our commitment to develop hospices in Cavan, Tullamore, and Drogheda. The development of these units will result in a hospice serving every region of the country.”

“In addition, funding will be used to support the crucial work of a number of national organisations in the palliative care and bereavement sector. I am delighted that we can provide this once-off funding to support the work of voluntary groups including LauraLynn Ireland’s Children’s hospice, Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, the Irish Hospice Foundation, the Irish Cancer Society, bereavement organisations and the All-Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care.”

Minister Donnelly continued: “I am delighted to announce that funding will also be allocated to members of the Voluntary Hospice Group. We value the essential palliative care services provided by members of the Voluntary Hospice Group and this funding is in recognition of, and to support, their valuable services.”

Fianna Fáil TD for Laois-Offaly, Barry Cowen, has welcomed €1m in funding for the development of the Midlands Hospice in Tullamore.

Deputy Cowen ensured this project was provided for in the Programme for Government, as a key member of the Fianna Fáil negotiation team.

Deputy Cowen, said “I am delighted to receive confirmation of this funding for the development of the Midlands Hospice in Tullamore. Palliative care has a very special place in the hearts of many and it's with deep sadness that I say that the Midlands region of Offaly, Laois, Longford and Westmeath is currently the only region in Ireland that does not have a hospice.

"This funding announced today will go some way in terms of developing the design of a 20-bed palliative care unit with auxiliary services on the selected site at the Midlands Regional Hospital in Tullamore.

"My brother and former Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, played an instrumental role in the provision of the Regional Hospital in Tullamore and it is my wish that I can be as instrumental in ensuring this facility becomes a reality. The delivery of a hospice on the grounds of the Regional Hospital has been a key priority of mine for many years and it is something that Fianna Fáil has been spearheading since we re-entered Government in 2020," Cowen said.

Of the €10 million, €3 million will be equally distributed to progress the development of hospices in Drogheda, Cavan and the Midlands which are currently in the planning stages. €5.2million will be distributed to the members of the Voluntary Hospice Group to support the valuable work of members. €200,000 will be provided to the Waterford Hospice Foundation to clear the debt on the new 20 bed specialist inpatient unit. The removal of this debt will allow Waterford Hospice Foundation to direct funds towards patient services.

The remaining €1.6 million will be distributed across a number of national organisations in the palliative care and bereavement sector. €800,000 will be granted to LauraLynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, €150,000 granted to the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, and €300,000 will be distributed equally between the Irish Hospice Foundation and the Irish Cancer Society. In addition, €100,000 will be granted to the All-Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care, and €100,000 distributed equally between bereavement organisations Anam Cara and First Light.

Today’s announcement follows the budget day commitment by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD, to the provision of this funding.

A major fundraiser, Hooves4Hospice, is already underway to raise vital funds towards the cost of building the planned Midland Regional Hospice.