Hospice in Waterford

Wednesday, 30th May 2012

Ryan criticises delay in provision of Hospice in Waterford

Waterford Labour Party Councillor Seamus Ryan has called on the HSE to expedite the provision of the new Palliative Care Unit and Hospice at Waterford Regional Hospital. In 2012 there is still no dedicated Hospice Unit in the South East of Ireland which is now the only part of the country without a dedicated Hospice. According to Cllr Ryan the HSE is currently in consultation with key stakeholders including the local Hospice Movement and has developed an agreed proposed model for the provision of a Specialist Palliative Care In-Patient Unit in Waterford to be integrated as part of Waterford Regional Hospital. However recent delays in the project have been criticised by Cllr Ryan, who has been a campaigner for improved services for cancer patients and their families in Waterford for some time. The Hospice movement who continue to provide wonderful service for cancer patients and their families in Waterford is to be commended for their ongoing campaigning and fund raising on this issue according to Cllr Ryan who went on to describe the ongoing delay as unacceptable. "At a recent meeting with senior HSE officials in Waterford Regional Hospital I raised this issue and requested that the building of the Palliative Care Unit and Hospice at Waterford Regional Hospital would be given the go ahead immediately."