The existing four-bed South Westmeath Hospice building.

South Westmeath Hospice has its say after meeting with Minister

Published: Wed 4 Sep 2019, 11:10 AM

Last updated: Wed 4 Sep 2019, 12:17 PM

The South Westmeath Hospice Committee has confirmed that Minister for Health Simon Harris has directed the HSE not to proceed with its controversial plan to close the existing hospice building in Athlone.

In a statement following yesterday's meeting with the Minister by members of South Westmeath Hospice, Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, and Deputy Peter Burke, the committee said it was happy that the proposal by the HSE was now removed.

Minister for Health Simon Harris pictured meeting with representatives of South Westmeath Hospice Clare Lennon and Joe Whelan along with Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran and Deputy Peter Burke.

However, Chairperson of the South Westmeath Hospice Clare Lennon warned: “The campaign is not over.”

“The proposals for a new unit at Clonbrusk must mirror what is currently provided in the Hospice Unit, referral pathways need to be clarified and an appropriate admission policy will have to be put in place. The Committee will work hard to deliver these objectives and secure the future of the South Westmeath Hospice.”

The controversy erupted last week when the HSE told the hospice committee of its plans to close the existing hospice building by the end of the year, temporarily provide two palliative care beds in the existing community nursing facility for the elderly at St Vincent's and then provide up to four palliative care beds in a new community nursing unit to be built at Clonbrusk. (see original story here)

The hospice committee statement indicated that at its meeting yesterday Minister Harris stated the following:
1. The committee and the supporters of the South Westmeath Hospice had every right to feel aggrieved at the manner in which the HSE has acted.
2. Whatever the intention of the HSE was it had proceeded in the wrong way.
3. He has directed the HSE not to proceed with the proposal.
4. His disappointment at the lack of collaboration between the HSE and the South Westmeath Hospice committee.
5. His acknowledgement of the extraordinary level of funding provided by the community and praised their achievements to date.
6. His commitment to visiting the unit in the near future to see first-hand the facility.
7. He has directed his official to make contact with the National Lead for Palliative Care to begin engagement with the three hospice committees in Longford Westmeath.

The South Westmeath Hospice committee said it had set out three objectives at the start of this campaign; to have the current proposal by the HSE removed; that a previous letter of guarantee from the HSE which promises the complete service provided from the hospice building on the St Vincent's site would be transferred and mirrored in any new health campus in Athlone would be honoured; and to have South Westmeath Hospice Foundation acknowledged by the HSE as a key stakeholder in the delivery of Palliative care and to engage constructively with us.

The South Westmeath Hospice Committee said it had achieved the first of these objectives and now needed to move on to realise the two others.

It asked that people continue to sign the petition that is on their Facebook page and it thanked both the local elected representatives and the members of the public for their support.
Meanwhile, Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said he was very pleased with the outcome of the meeting at Government Buildings with Minister Harris.
Minister Moran said: “I was very happy to hear from Minister Harris that the HSE plans have been shelved and that meaningful engagement must now take place between the HSE, the Hospice Committee and staff.”
“As Minister Harris said, ‘the plan is not proceeding as currently outlined’ and I welcome his commitment on that,” said Minister Moran.
“I am also very pleased that Minister Harris has taken up my invitation to visit the Hospice either this month or in October,” he said.
“Minister Harris was also presented with a Letter of Guarantee from the HSE to the Hospice in 2008 which is very clear cut and leaves no room for ambiguity surrounding previous commitments given,” added Minister Moran.
“I also welcome Minister Harris’ view aired at the meeting that a community nursing unit is not the equivalent to a palliative care facility.”
Minister Moran added: “Minister Harris asked that common sense should prevail here and I believe that it will ultimately.”
“I will continue to work with the Hospice committee for a successful conclusion and I would like thank all those involved for their continued support on this very important facility.”

Senator Gabrielle McFadden said she was glad Minister Harris had confirmed that HSE plans to close the Hospice have been withdrawn to allow for meaningful consultation with the South Westmeath Hospice Committee.

She said she had spoken over the weekend with Simon Harris regarding the South Westmeath Hospice, outlining the dismay locally over the plans outlined by the HSE.