There was excitement and emotion as the volunteers from the 12 Hospice shops visited the Hospice for the first time, ahead of the open week where over 700 people, comprising of fundraisers, volunteers, supporters, former board members, have registered to see this fantastic facility.
Chairperson Joanne Hynes, CEO Martina Jennings and former CEO Cynthia Clampett were there to welcome the volunteers and all spoke passionately of their gratitude to the volunteers for giving their time so generously weekly to ensure Mayo Roscommon Hospice could fund Palliative Care Services for the last 26 years.
The 14 bed state of the art Hospice will be open to patients towards the end of 2019, as work is still ongoing internally, and it will take another three months to complete. There will be an official launch prior to admission of patients.
Speaking on Sunday, CEO Martina Jennings said: "This is a significant year for Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, with the Mayo Hospice nearly completed and open to patients by Autumn.
"We have purchased a site beside Roscommon University Hospital, and intend to go to tender for the build of our Roscommon Hospice within a few months, with construction starting very soon afterwards. The people of both counties should be so proud, as the construction costs for both Hospices is coming entirely from fundraised income.
"We are looking forward to welcoming everyone this week who has registered to see the Mayo Hospice, and know they will feel as proud as we are of this fantastic facility for our region.
"We plead with everyone to continue on this journey with us as we continue to fund much needed Palliative Care Services in both counties. The referral numbers continue to increase, as 47% of our patients now are non-cancer illnesses, we have an aging population, and cancer diagnoses continue to increase."
There is still time to register to view this fantastic facility by calling (094 ) 9388666.
