An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar T.D. and Minister for Health Simon Harris T.D. joined in Harold’s Cross at the end of April for the official opening of our new specialist Palliative Care Unit, the most ambitious project in their 139-year history.
An Taoiseach said, “This redevelopment enables the Hospice to respond to the changing needs of the community and improve the environment where it provides the care for which it is renowned. Paying tribute to the dedication of our staff, Minister Harris commented, “The commitment, skills and expertise in this organisation are immense and it has tremendous potential to achieve even greater accomplishments in the future.”
Speaking about the seven years work that went in to this project, CEO Audrey Houlihan explained, “This is a real community effort to provide an essential service. From those who provided financial support to those who shared thoughts and ideas and volunteered their time, to our staff who brought this vision to life through their commitment to palliative care and patient needs. This modern facility will transform the quality of life for our patients and their families, as well as meeting the changing care needs of this, and future generations, something that has become crucially important with our ageing population.”
“I want to express our sincere thanks to our patients and families for their inspiration and courage, our staff for their dedication and all our supporters who made this possible. We are both humbled and enormously grateful to the public and donors whose donations funded 100% of the construction costs of the Unit. We would also like to thank the HSE for assisting in funding the furnishing and fit out of the building and for its ongoing and continued support. Our Founding Partners Massey Bros. Funeral Directors and Kilternan Cemetery Park have also both committed generously to the future of the Hospice, and for that we are very grateful. We were delighted that so many staff, volunteers and supporters were able to join us for this event and thank Rian for proving the point that he is the most popular member of staff and stealing the show again!”
