Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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1847. To ask the Minister for Health the geographical location of the two new inpatient unit hospices being considered for palliative care in CHO8. [15670/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The 2001 National Palliative Care Policy states that that all regions across Ireland should have access to a full range of palliative care services which includes a Level 3 inpatient unit (hospice). In line with national policy and the HSE’s Palliative Care Services Development Framework 2017-2019, hospices are planned for Drogheda (30-36 beds) and Tullamore (16-20 beds) in CHO8.

A site within the grounds of the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore has been made available for the hospice in Tullamore and funding has been secured through the HSE Capital Estates Programme to prepare initial outline drawings.

The hospice for the north-east is to be located on a site donated by the Medical Missionaries of Mary directly adjacent to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. A planning application is due to be submitted shortly.

The HSE is closely working with local hospice groups and philanthropy to progress these developments.