Local TD Denis Naughten has endorsed the local campaign to retain the operation of the existing hospice service at St Vincent’s Hospital, Athlone, pending the establishment of a new service at Clonbrusk.

Writing to the Health Minister, Denis Naughten pointed out: “The local community 
raised €1.9m to build the South Westmeath Hospice on the St Vincent's Campus and there must be a complete stay be put on the planned closure by the HSE of the Hospice pending the construction of an alternative facility as committed to in 2008.

“The Hospice Service is one which no family wishes to use but having it so close to home when it is required is important for the people of the wider Athlone area.”

ENDS.