The Health Service Executive says it is committed to provide four palliative care beds at the new Clonbrusk Community Nursing Unit.
A joint statement issued by the South Westmeath Hospice Committee and the HSE says the commitment was given after a meeting at which Chief Officer of CHO Area 8, Mr. Pat Bennett, stated that in a spirit of cooperation, the Executive wants to meet the needs of the people of Athlone.
It was also agreed that HSE Estates will link with Malachy Cullen Consulting Engineers, appointed by the group to reconfigure plans to accommodate the current Hospice unit, which will be presented for discussion at the next meeting of both parties on the 17th of September.
Secretary of the South Westmeath Hospice Joe Whelan says the progress is a good starting point but they will be ensuring that the full range of hospice services in place now are in place in the future.
