The South Westmeath Hospice is to pursue legal action against the HSE over changes to plans for a newly built Community Nursing Unit in Clonbrusk in Athlone.
Hospice management have described the recent meeting with the health service over the development as utterly devastating.
The organisation currently operates beds at St. Vincent's in the town, with an agreement reached in October that the new building would include similar and expanded facilities for the hospice to use including 4 private beds, external space, family rooms and dedicated access to the unit.
At a recent meeting between the HSE and Hospice staff, it was revealed that the HSE will not be including the accepted changes to the planned development.
Chair of the South Westmeath Hospice Committee, Claire Lennon, said staff are utterly devastated following the decision from the Health Executive.
The hospice has confirmed that they will be re-igniting their 'Save our Hospice' Campaign and will take the issue to the high court if necessary:
