Since its inception in 1989 Laois Hospice has helped to provide a palliative care service for patients whose illness no longer responds to curative treatment. Laois Hospice provides support for families of such patients. This total care involves doctors, nurses, a team of specialists and the clergy who are all concerned with the quality of life of the patient. Laois Hospice is about caring for the terminally ill, so that their final days can be spent with as much comfort and dignity as is humanly possible. 

Palliative care is an interdisciplinary approach that improves quality of life for people with life-limiting illness and those important to them through a focus on expert pain and symptom management, improved communication and goals-of-care discussions, and the provision of psychosocial, spiritual and bereavement support.

According to the National Adult Palliative Care Policy, population need for palliative care in Ireland is among the highest in the world and projected to rise sharply over the next 25 years. This means that by 2026, there will be 40,355 people over 55 years of age in the final years of life experience palliative care needs, and 548,105 people who are living with a condition associated with palliative care needs. As life expectancy increases, people will also be living longer with more complex needs.

Whilst palliative care is often associated with cancer, the importance of these services for people with other diagnosis such as neurological conditions and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases is also being increasingly recognised. 

Funding policy

As of 1 July 2018 our funding policy will be as follows: 

Any individual, group or organisation seeking assistance from Laois Hospice will have to submit a detailed proposal which will then be evaluated by Laois Hospice. All funding will be provided for spending upon a firm commitment by the individuals, group or organisation concerned following proof of expenditure and detailed consultation with Laois Hospice.

Our aim in the future will be focussed on palliative care particularly in our community, and as such our funding commitments to the Health Service Executive (HSE) towards that goal will continue in accordance with our funding policy outlined above.

Structure

Laois Hospice Foundation CLG is a registered charity. Our Revenue (CHY) and Charity Regulatory Authority numbers are available at the bottom of this page. Laois Hospice Foundation CLG is a totally autonomous body. All funds raised by Laois Hospice within the county are for the benefit of patients in county Laois.

The Foundation comprises a committee and a board of directors who are elected annually by rotation. All posititons on the board are elected annually at an AGM of the Committee.

Current officers and directors are as follows:

• Mary Delaney – Chairperson
• Jennifer McKay – Secretary
• Mary Finlay – Treasurer
• Irene Murray
• Del Merideth
• Liam Holohan

It is noted that directors are provided with no remuneration or expenses for their work on behalf of Laois Hospice. All of the directors and members of the Laois Hospice Foundation committee provide their services on an entirely voluntary basis, and this has been a cornerstone of our approach since our foundation in 1989.