Galway Hospice to share in over €10m recurring annual funding

Galway Hospice will share in more than €10 million in recurring annual funding announced for the voluntary hospice sector starting from this year.

Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly announced that annual funding will be provided by the government, starting with €10.68 million in 2021, to address a core shortfall in funding that is making hospices unsustainable.

Galway Hospice has up until relied almost entirely on private donations to continue providing palliative care in the city and county.

The Coronavirus pandemic has hit them extremely hard, as fundraising actives have been severely curtailed due to restrictions imposed in the pandemic.

At the same time, as a care facility with extremely vulnerable residents, Galway Hospice has incurred

Minister Donnelly said “Ireland is fortunate to have a dedicated voluntary hospice sector, who have worked tirelessly down through the years, in partnership with local communities, to expand the network of hospice services around the country.”

He praised workers at hospices for maintaining “critical and ongoing care services” against the backdrop of all the challenges posed by COVID-19.

Hospices have supported acute hospitals, community health care services and nursing homes in ensuring those with palliative care needs continue to receive compassionate care during this crisis Minister Donnelly said.

The Minister said that this funding reflects the “unique role” voluntary hospices play in Irish society.

“The additional funding is designed to take account of the potential impact of the loss of fundraising income during the public health emergency, but most importantly, ensures when such activity gets back on track it can be used to enhance and improve services, rather than fund core services,” Stephen Donnelly said.