Mcfadden says concern over hospice is illfounded

Athlone TD Gabrielle McFadden has said she is satisfied there is no possibility of the South Westmeath Hospice closing its doors for good.

Concerns were raised about the facility after it emerged that it had been closed for several weeks and that patients seeking to access its facilities were directed elsewhere.

At a meeting of the Athlone Municipal District on Monday, several councillors called on the HSE to provide clarity on the future of the hospice.

In a statement on Tuesday, the HSE said it would 'continue to engage positively with South Westmeath Hospice' and that 'a Memorandum of Understanding' between itself and the hospice 'will be signed presently.'

A press release from Deputy McFadden said this statement from the HSE had put an end to what she said was 'ill-founded speculation' over the future of the hospice.

“I have been in constant contact with the Hospice and the HSE on this matter and this statement confirms the HSE’s previous assurance to me that this important facility is not closing,' said Deputy McFadden.

“Today’s news is widely welcomed and I also want to acknowledge the work of the Hospice Committee, the HSE and my colleagues, Cllr Tom Farrell and Cllr John Dolan in helping to put to an end these ill-founded rumours.

“As I have said before, the South Westmeath Hospice and St Vincent’s Hospital are of paramount importance to the town and surrounding areas and today's reassurance from the HSE confirms this.'

The HSE's statement also said it was committed to the future of St Vincent's Hospital in Athlone and that if any beds in the facility were unoccupied it was because there was a lack of demand for them.

'The HSE currently has capacity for 44 beds in St Vincent’s, Community Nursing Unit, Athlone – which includes four Level 2 Palliative Care Unit beds. There is a clinical criteria that applies to accessing of these beds.

'Currently any unoccupied beds are solely on the basis that there has been no demand for these beds,' said the statement.

'Any adverse suggestion/rumours as to the future of St Vincent’s Community Nursing Unit has not originated from the HSE, are wholly rejected and are a source of distress for the residents/service users and their families, and staff of St Vincent’s Community Nursing Unit. The HSE is committed to St Vincent’s Community Nursing Unit.'