Boxer says HSE hospice plan "totally unacceptable"
Minister of State, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran is seeking an urgent meeting with Health Minister, Simon Harris, to consider what Minister Moran states is the ‘totally unacceptable’ proposal to close South Westmeath Hospice and to provide an alternative, reduced service.
“This is totally unacceptable to me and I have demanded an urgent meeting within the next few days with Minister Harris to halt this proposal. This is a local HSE decision to cuts costs and has clearly not been thought through.”
The HSE is proposing to provide two palliative care beds in St. Vincent’s Care Centre and, based on need, up to four further beds in a new facility in Clonbrusk when opened.
The statement comes after a meeting on Wednesday between representatives of South Westmeath Hospice, elected representatives and the HSE at which the HSE proposed to close the current South Westmeath Hospice building in Athlone at the end of the year and replace it, for the time being, with two palliative care beds in St Vincent's Care Centre.
See original story on the revelation that the HSE proposes to close the existing €1.9m South Westmeath Hospice building here.
The existing South Westmeath Hospice building on the campus of St Vincent's Care Centre, which was built through local fundraising.
The South Westmeath Hospice Committee has said it is “devastated and shocked” at these proposals, rejects them in their entirety and will fight tooth and nail to preserve the facility.
Minister Moran said at the meeting on Wednesday, HSE officials “spoke about figures and occupancy rates but very little was said about patients”.
“I am very unhappy at the way the HSE has dealt with this issue from the very start and Wednesday’s meeting was unsatisfactory on so many levels.”
“Palliative care patients are not always elderly people and sadly young people also have life limiting illnesses and the HIQA report on St. Vincent’s Hospital clearly points to challenges that would be problematic regarding the HSE proposed changes.”
“Countless fundraising events have taken place over more than two decades to establish and support a top class hospice here in Athlone and which also reflects the strong community support for the facility.”
Minister Moran said he is now awaiting an early date from Minister Harris to discuss the matter, stating that he would fight tooth and nail to preserve the current hospice and its outstanding staff and facilities.