Local Minister of State, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran has noted that the statement this week from the HSE regarding the future of South Westmeath Hospice reaffirms commitments given to him by Health Minister, Simon Harris regarding the facility.
“I am very pleased with the outcome of the engagement between the HSE and the management of South Westmeath Hospice. This follows the meeting we had with Minister Harris a few weeks ago.
“Minister Harris was quite emphatic when he stated then that common sense must prevail and stressing that a community nursing unit is not the equivalent to a palliative care facility,” Deputy Moran commented.
Deputy Moran reiterated his immense satisfaction that the Hospice facility would now remain fully operational.
“At our meeting Minister Harris stressed that meaningful engagement must now take place between the HSE, the Hospice committee and staff and I am very happy that this has now taken place and that the HSE is withdrawing its plans to close the Hospice facility.
“I will continue to work closely with Minister Harris and South Westmeath Hospice to continue to support them in the delivery of this vital service to the community.
“I would like to thank the committee of South Westmeath Hospice, local representatives and the general public who have all come together to support our local hospice, this has been a great community effort by everyone,” Deputy Moran enthused.
