Donegal Hospice staff and volunteers past and present gathered at Knocknamona today to celebrate 20 years of the palliative care unit in Letterkenny.
The 8-bed unit has been in operation since 2003, having expanded from a home care service back in 1988. The office was originally based at 86a Upper Main Street Letterkenny before moving to a dedicated facility near Letterkenny Hospital.
From those early beginnings, support and funding from the local community have remained central to the continuing development and operation of palliative care services within Donegal.
Over the past two decades, the hospice has provided thousands of patients with compassionate and dignified end-of-life care. Thousands more annually receive specialist support in their homes. Patients’ families and caregivers often speak of the kindness and comfort given to them by the staff during the most difficult times.
Hospice Administrator Isobel Rodgers and Grace Boyle, Grace Boyle Chairperson Donegal Hospice CLG, with the cake to make the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Donegal Hospice. Photo Brian McDaid
Donegal Hospice currently has 53 staff, including seven home nurses, working under the leadership of Director of Nursing Catherine Regan. The hospice welcomed Consultants Dr Jessica Sui and Dr Averil Fountain in 2021.
Today’s 20th anniversary was marked with cake and refreshments, as the committee took the opportunity to look back, and look forward to another 20 years and future expansion. Plans are in place to build four additional apartments at the unit.
Blessings were offered today by Rev Jim Lamont, Fr. Shane Gallagher and Rev Heather Houlton.
Rev Jim Lamount Fr. Shane Gallagher and Rev Heather Houlton at the Donegal Hospice for the 20th anniversary. Photo Brian McDaid
An exciting fundraising ball is set to take place this June to coincide with the hugely successful Jive for June fundraiser which has raised over €120,000… watch this space for details.
Hospice Administrator, Isobel Rodgers said: “The people of Donegal are so good to us, which is down to the good care that they receive. We appreciate every penny.”
The mission statement of Donegal Hospice is: to provide comprehensive physical, emotional and spiritual care for individuals and families promoting the highest quality of living during life-limiting illness and bereavement.
Jenifer Mulcaghay , Lucia Mc Gettigan , Grace Boyle, Isobel Rodgers and Mary Collins. Photo: Brian McDaid
Theresa Mc Daid and Anne Marie Bonar. Photo Brian McDaid