The Susie Long Hospice Fund has stressed the need for the HSE to deliver on targets set out in its own five-year strategy for Hospice provision for the south-east. In the week of the fourth anniversary of the death of Susie Long, the group has expressed concerns that targets for a hospice in Waterford and a satellite unit in Kilkenny will not be met, given that provisions have not been made in the capital budget for 2012.
Speaking on behalf of the Susie Long Hospice Fund, chairman Malcolm Noonan said that they were encouraged by the strong support from the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan.
“Minister Hogan has been very supportive and wishes to see the project brought to fruition following his securing funds for the day care unit. At our recent meeting, he outlined that this was the first phase of putting in place the necessary infrastructure to support the provision of a hospice on the St Luke’s Hospital campus and in line with State policy,” said Mr Noonan. “This is encouraging and despite the difficult economic circumstances of the country, we hope that Susie’s wish to see this essential service for communities in the region will be realised. It will be of immense benefit to supporting existing services such as the homecare team and will ultimately free up acute beds in the south east.”
The hospice fund group is most grateful to Dr Garry Courtney and the planning team at St Luke’s Hospital for the encouragement they have given over the past number of years and in sharing the vision for a hospice.
“We are as always overwhelmed by the unwavering support of the people of Kilkenny, Carlow and beyond both from their fundraising efforts and with their patience in supporting this campaign. Given the times we are in, we may have to look at longer timeframes so ongoing public support is vital, I am sure that our collective efforts will be rewarded and what greater legacy could Susie leave than the realisation of a hospice in her name?” concluded Mr Noonan.
