Palliative care teams looked after 924 patients in Mayo and Roscommon in 2020
THE Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation funded palliative care services to 924 patients in both counties over the course of 2020.
Their 2020 report, launched by Minister Frank Feighan, outlines that 4,474 home visits were carried out by the palliative care teams throughout the course of 2020 and during the Covid-19 pandemic.
While the pandemic reduced fundraised income by 35% as a result of less fundraising events and the closure of the hospice’s 12 retail shops, it didn’t stop the build of the new Roscommon Hospice, due to launch this October.
CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, Martina Jennings, said: “2020 began with the turning of the sod for Roscommon Hospice. Little did we know that within a few short weeks, our shops would be closed, all fundraising events would be cancelled and we would be facing a global pandemic.
“I’m delighted to say that even through the pandemic, the Roscommon Hospice build started and continued throughout the year and we’re ready to launch in October.
“The cost of the hospice is over €6m, all of which has come from fundraised income. Our focus is now on continuing to fund these vital services in our community.”
Minister Frank Feighan said: “I want to commend Mayo-Roscommon Hospice Foundation on the launch of their annual report. The report clearly demonstrates the commitment and hard work that staff and volunteers at the Foundation have dedicated to providing services for people receiving palliative care and their families during what has been a challenging year with the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Ms. Jennings continued: “Once again I must extend my thanks to the people of Mayo and Roscommon. Without them we wouldn’t have been able to fund palliative care and family support services to both counties throughout the pandemic. It would not have been possible without fundraised income and also our nurses and volunteers who provide the services.
“Our palliative care teams consistently delivered vital services throughout the most difficult period we’ve ever seen. Our healthcare workers showed such resilience and compassion throughout the year, always ensuring patients and their families received dignity and respect every step of the way on their respective journeys and I cannot thank them enough.”