Palliative Care in Donegal

Although a palliative home care service has been provided in Co Donegal since 1989, the hospice itself was not opened until February 2003 and since then the services have been in great demand from people throughout the county. More recently, the service has been expanded with the introduction of Hospice Day Care. This is an initiative designed to provide shorter periods of palliative care. Volunteers continue to provide complementary therapies to all residents, whether short or long term. The welcome appointment of two additional sisters to the homecare team now brings to seven the number of nursing sisters working in this area.

Hospice Management

 The Health Service Executive (HSE) is responsible for the day-to-day running of the hospice, and the hospice support movement works in partnership with the HSE. The support group, Donegal Hospice Ltd, is responsible for providing up to 20% of the annual running cost of the facility at Knocknamona and this is quite a challenge to meet every year. As a registered charity, we also assist with the cost of homecare and bear the expense of all the specialist equipment that the sisters require.

Future Plans

In conjunction with the H.S.E. a five-year plan for palliative care has been developed in accordance with National Guidelines. The plan includes a major extension of Donegal Hospice in the next few years. This development will enable the service to be increased by approximately 50% triggering a need for expansion in other areas; additional staff from all disciplines will be required. Growth, change and improvement of services always cost money. Without the generosity of spirit and pocket of the general public, Donegal Hospice would find it difficult to maintain and develop the service. So, a heartfelt thank you to all our benefactors.

Location

Donegal Hospice is to be found in a modern purpose-built building situated in restful grounds at Knocknamona in Letterkenny. Here, a multi disciplinary team of professionals support the medical and nursing staff in providing palliative care to the residents of its six bedrooms and two apartments. The needs of residents' families are also catered for at this local hospice.  See Map