RTÉ Sports broadcaster, Michael Lyster, officially opened ‘Slí An Chroí’ Family Room in Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe, last Tuesday, May 10.
The room will provide a dedicated space for families of patients who are at the end of their lives. The facility will allow families a private space away from the ward to relax and take some time out during this difficult time. The work was carried out with the support of a grant of €30,600 from the Design and Dignity Scheme of The Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF ) and also the Health Services Executive (HSE ). The scheme aims to transform the way hospital spaces are designed for people at end of life.
Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe is one of more than 40 hospitals in Ireland linked to the Hospice Friendly Hospitals (HFH ) Programme. The HFH Programme is an initiative of the Irish Hospice Foundation. It seeks to ensure that palliative, end-of-life, and bereavement care are central to the everyday business of hospitals. The HFH Programme in Portiuncula Hospital was also officially launched at Tuesday’s event.
James Keane, general manager at Portiuncula University Hospital, said: “Today we are pleased to open a new facility that will offer some comfort to families when they need us most. Portiuncula University Hospital is committed to improving end-of-life care and we aim to ensure that patients and families who are with us during their final journey will have a peaceful and dignified experience.”
To date 20 projects have been funded across the country under the Design and Dignity scheme at a cost of €2m.
