Taoiseach Micheál Martin 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, fulfills a Programme for Government commitment to have a hospice serving every region in the country.
Once complete, the hospice will provide essential access to specialist palliative care inpatient services for patients and their families across the Midlands.
Announcing €20m of capital funding for the project, 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, who have worked tirelessly with Minister Stephen Donnelly to progress this much-needed service over the past 15 years, and the funding contributed to date.
“So, it is hugely welcome 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 daycare, outpatient, inpatient, and community services.
The new development will be co-located on a site provided by the HSE at the Midland Regional Hospital.