SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood recently met with Foyle Hospice Chief Executive Donall Henderson at Westminster.

Eastwood said they discussed the continued work of the Foyle Hospice and ongoing efforts to secure funding, increase services and support local families.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said: “It was a pleasure welcoming Foyle Hospice Chief Executive Donall Henderson to Westminster and discussing the ongoing work of the hospice that is so valuable to people across Derry and the wider North West. There are few families in this city who have not been touched by the work of the hospice in some way. Its dedicated staff go above and beyond, making some of life's most difficult moments easier and providing comfort, care and dignity to patients and their families.

“We also discussed the work taking place across the North to secure sustainable funding for hospices, expand services, improve workforce planning and training, and ensure everyone can access palliative care when they need it. A central issue is the need for these services to be properly funded. Too much of the work carried out by Foyle Hospice continues to depend on charitable fundraising. The people of Derry have always been incredibly generous in supporting the hospice and its many initiatives, but essential care should not have to rely so heavily on donations. These are not optional services. The Executive must provide the financial certainty that hospices need to plan for the future.

MP Colum Eastwood and Foyle Hospice Chief Executive Donall Henderson at Westminster.

placeholder image — MP Colum Eastwood and Foyle Hospice Chief Executive Donall Henderson at Westminster.

“Foyle Hospice will always have my full support. I will continue to raise these issues at Westminster wherever possible, but it is the Executive that must recognise the importance of these services and respond to the calls being made by hospices. They deserve the funding and support they need to build on their work and continue providing vital care and support to patients and families for years to come.”

Foyle Hospice provides 9 bed spaces in its Inpatient Care Unit, as well as Day Therapy facilities, community nursing, 24/7 Advice Line and bereavement counselling services for both adults (Forget Me Not) and children (Healing Hearts).

The total annual cost of providing the services is approximately £4.1 million.

It costs approximately £5,000 for 24 hours of care for 9 beds in the Hospice In-Patient Care Unit.