6th September 2022
Taoiseach Micheál Martin today announced capital funding of €20m for a new specialist palliative care inpatient unit for the Midlands.
The new 20-bed unit, to be developed on the site of Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore, fulfils a Programme for Government commitment to have a hospice serving every region in the country.
Hospice care is something that any of us may require and we can all relate to the need for it in our own region. It is with delight that I welcome An Taoiseach’s announcement of €20 million in capital funding for a palliative care unit in Tullamore. This Government committed to this important facility and this Government will deliver on that commitment.
Once complete, the hospice will provide essential access to specialist palliative care inpatient services for patients and their families across the Midlands.
The Taoiseach said: “I’m delighted to announce this significant milestone for palliative care in the Midlands. Our Programme for Government commits to developing a hospice providing essential access to specialist palliative inpatient care for people with life limiting illnesses, and their families. I’m aware of the enormous work and commitment that has been provided by voluntary hospice groups and colleagues in the HSE to progress this much needed service over the past 15 years, and the funding contributed to date.”
I also want to acknowledge the commitment, fundraising and focus of those who have driven this project this far. This project is the fruit of many years planning, fundraising and advocating by people from many walks of life, both voluntary and as part of their work roles.
It is hugely welcome and important that €20m of additional capital funding will further the development of this hospice in the next few years.
The Midlands Hospice development, expected to be completed by the end of 2025, will make Tullamore a hub for the provision of specialist palliative care services across the Midlands, including day care, outpatient, inpatient and community services.
The new development will be co-located on a site provided by the HSE at the Midland Regional Hospital.