It will be at least another two weeks before the outcome of crucial talks on the future of the South Westmeath Hospice facility in Athlone is known.
However Deputy Mary O’Rourke and Senator Nicky McFadden say they are hopeful of a positive outcome for the newly constructed hospice facility, following discussions with Minister for Health and Children yesterday (Thursday ).
The meeting, which took place in Dublin at lunchtime yesterday, was organised by Deputy O’Rourke to discuss the implications of a shortfall in HSE funding for the facility. There are concerns that the costs of staffing the newly constructed four-bed unit with six nurses, at a cost of €330,000 annually, will be unable to be met by the HSE due to budgetary constraints.
However, Deputy O’Rourke said the meeting had been very positive and that the Minister should be in a position to confirm whether the funds are available the week after next.
“Minister Harney was very welcoming and said she would contact me when she knows the situation with funding. It will be the week after next before she receives the HSE Capital Plan,” Deputy O’Rourke told the Advertiser.
Senator McFadden described the meeting as “very open and frank”. “The Minister spoke about her time in Athlone last year when she met the committee. She is a strong advocate of the hospice and the service it provides, and was very positive regarding the work of the hospice committee and the amount they have raised.
“She acknowledged the shortfall of €330,000 for the staffing of the unit, and while accepting that plans would have to be adjusted due to the budget, she said she would see what could be done next week.
“We will have to wait and see what happens; the proof will be in the pudding. I have to acknowledge the efforts of Mary O’Rourke in facilitating this meeting.”
A member of the South Westmeath Hospice committee declined to comment on the situation yesterday.
Some €1.25 million has been raised for the facility to date, with fundraising efforts continuing to raise up to half a million euro more which is necessary to kit out the building.
The plans for the 8,400 sq ft facility were unveiled in September 2007, and include a four-bed intermediate palliative care unit, office accommodation, and a dedicated day care centre
