Health Minister commends work of Northern Ireland Hospice

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey today paid tribute to the invaluable work of the Northern Ireland Hospice.

The Minister hosted an event in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Hospice, which celebrated the past success of the organisation, as well as providing an opportunity to share their vision for the future.

The Minister said: “The Northern Ireland Hospice is held in very high regard by the Northern Ireland public and I welcome the opportunity to be here to share in this celebration and to hear of their vision for the future.

“The provision of palliative care remains a priority for me and my Department and it is extremely positive to see the Northern Ireland Hospice and the statutory services working together to provide both adult and children’s services.”

He added: “The work of the Children’s Hospice is particularly close to the hearts of the people of Northern Ireland and they have supported it generously over the years.

“I recently announced an additional recurrent statutory funding of £245,000 for the children’s hospice. This latest financial support will bring a measure of financial stability to the organisation so that they may focus on the excellent work they do in providing much needed care for children and their families affected by life-limiting illness.

“The development of services provided by the Hospice over the coming years will ensure that, together with the statutory and other voluntary bodies, palliative care services for people in Northern Ireland are able to meet future challenges.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Northern Ireland Hospice was established in 1985 and currently operates out of two locations; adult hospice at Somerton House, Belfast and children’s hospice at Horizon House, Newtownabbey.

2. The Northern Ireland Hospice provides approx 30% of total specialist adult palliative care bed capacity in NI.

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