Press Statement
From: Kieran O’Donnell TD
O’Donnell Welcomes €1.25M in Covid19 funding to Milford Hospice
Limerick Fine Gael TD Kieran O’Donnell has welcomed €1.25m in Government funding to Milford hospice in Castletroy. Committed to by Government on budget day, this funding has been announced by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly TD as part of a total €10 in once-off funding for palliative and end-of-life care in 2020 to counter the spread of Covid-19 (See Note to Editor below).
The funding is to support the voluntary palliative care sector to maintain critical and ongoing care services for adults and children in the context of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This once-off funding can be used for improvements to premises, facilities and ICT systems, telehealth and telemedicine platforms, education and training programmes and to offset lost fundraised income as a direct result of restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19.
“I welcome this once-off €1.25m in Government funding to Milford hospice to assist in the ongoing delivery of vital essential palliative care services in these difficult Covid19 times.This funding was committed to by Government in the Budget as part of Covid19 combat measures.
“Covid19 has posed serious challenges for Milford hospice not only in the delivery of their vital palliative care services, but, also in their normal capacity to fundraise for these same services. This €1.25m in state funding is being provided to recognise how difficult it has been with Covid19 as well as acknowledging the great services Milford hospice provides.
“We all know the fantastic work Milford hospice does for the people of Limerick and the Mid-West on a daily basis. Indeed, these palliative care services have in some way touched the lives of all families in this region.
Minister Donnelly said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for everyone, especially those who are vulnerable, their families and those who care for them. Hospices and other providers of palliative care have really stepped up to support people with palliative and end-of-life care needs and their families during this most difficult time.”
“They have also supported acute hospitals and community health services, including nursing homes, to meet the rising demand for palliative and end-of-life care associated with COVID-19. At the same time their fundraising activities have unfortunately been curtailed due to the pandemic, impacting on their capacity to maintain their vital services”.
Minister Donnelly went on to say that: “The funding I am announcing today will help the palliative care sector to continue to provide their essential services as the pandemic continues and will also help cement some of the innovations that the sector has been engaged in, including the provision of virtual supports and telemedicine”.
ENDS.
NOTES TO EDITOR:
Details of Allocations:
Service | Allocation
€ |
North West Hospice, Sligo
|
350,000 |
Galway Hospice
|
750,000 |
Milford Care Centre, Limerick
|
1,250,000 |
Marymount Hospice, Cork
|
1,850,000 |
Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services: – Harold’s Cross -Blackrock Hospice -Wicklow Hospice
|
2,500,000 |
St. Francis Hospice, Raheny and Blanchardstown | 1,800,000 |
Waterford Hospice Movement/Homecare
|
87,500 |
South Tipperary Hospice Movement/Homecare | 87,500 |
Wexford Hospice | 87,500 |
Carlow/Kilkenny Homecare Team | 87,500 |
Laura Lynn Hospice | 750,000 |
Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation | 100,000 |
Irish Hospice Foundation
|
100,000
|
All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care
|
100,000
|
Irish Cancer Society – Night Nursing Service | 100,000 |
TOTAL | 10,000,000 |