Withdrawal of hospice funding

Madam, - On Tuesday last week I was one of a number of guests at a public meeting in Roscommon at which Mayo-Roscommon Hospice…

Madam, - On Tuesday last week I was one of a number of guests at a public meeting in Roscommon at which Mayo-Roscommon Hospice Association launched a new DVD of its work.

I had a very personal reason for being there as a former parishioner, Bill, had been featured on the DVD. He spoke eloquently, along with other people, about the help they had received from the home-help palliative care team. Their 24/7 care had enabled Bill to live his life to the last breath. As he had said: "I only know life while I live".

After watching the DVD we were reminded of the many people who had voluntarily raised millions of euro for this work to continue and grow. It occurred to me that while, this was commendable, wasn't it really the responsibility of the Government to fund such essential work?

The chief executive then announced some devastating news: the HSE had withdrawn its pledged €4 million funding for its 50 per cent share of providing a Level II eight-bed hospice at Roscommon Hospital. The meeting was left speechless that a written promise given in January 2008 could be so withdrawn in such a cavalier fashion.

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Shame, shame, shame on those responsible for to reprehensible an action! What has the HSE come to? Perhaps some HSE person might reply - but don't tell me about all the wonderful things you have done and how much you have increased funding. Just tell me where the €4 million has gone. - Yours, etc,

Rev GRAHAM DOYLE, Rector of Athlone Union of Parishes, Bonavalley, Athlone, Co Westmeath.