Galway Hospice has been awarded €750,000 by the Department of Health as part of a once off injection of funding for palliative and end-of-life care.
In total, Health Minister Stephen Donnellly announced that €10 million will go towards 15 different institutes and organisations.
This is meant to support their essential services during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, which has led to an increased demand, while also making it more difficult to raise funds.
“”The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for everyone, especially those who are vulnerable, their families and those who care for them,” Minister Donnelly said making the announcement.
“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.”
Minister Donnelly added that hospices have played an important role in supporting acute hospitals and nursing homes during this crisis.
Galway Hospice is the chief provider of palliative care services in Galway city from its location in Renmore.
Along with the continuation of regular services, this funding will also help “cement” innovations made for COVID-19 such as virtual supports and telemedicine.
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
Of the €10 million, €8.5 million will be distributed to the members of the Voluntary Hospice Group.
The full list of recipients of this funding is:
| 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 |
