Pictured in the new palliative care unit at the Gorey District Hospital are Ann Coakley, Minister Paul Kehoe, and Patricia Masterson (Friends of Gorey District
Hospital. Pic: Christy Farrell

SELF-SUPPORT in the community reached a new high in Gorey and North Wexford where community fundraising to the tune of €175,000 has been wisely used to entirely fund two new palliative care rooms and a family room at Gorey District Hospital.

This is seen as a wonderful gift from the people of Gorey in support of the elderly patients at the local hospital which is facing threats to its future after HIQA raised concerns about safety issues in a report that has yet to be published.

The latest upgrade of facilities at the hospital, which is 75 years old this year, were officially opened by Minister Paul Kehoe, T.D., Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of An Taoiseach and Defence.

Minister Kehoe noted that we are fortunate to have a very generous society where people are willing to continuously step up to the plate when needed.

“There are many instances in which people as individuals, or as organisations, give generously of their time and talents to reach out and respond to the needs of others,” he said, but added: “Communities benefit from the willingness of those who contribute in whatever way they can and in this context I would like to acknowledge the very substantial donation of €175,000 by the ‘Friends of Gorey Hospital’ to the project.

“We are delighted that the ‘Friends’ have made this donation to enable us to make appropriate renovations which was totally attributed to them alone,”stated Ms Barbara Murphy, Hospital Manager.

Ms Anna Marie Lanigan, Area Manager, HSE, said was not just about two palliative care rooms and a family room, it was about what it would mean to patients and their families.

She said ‘thanks’ to the ‘Friends’ and complimented Ann Coakley, Director of Nursing, who addressed the guests and her staff, and Barbara Murphy on the administrative side.

Ms Patricia Masterson, Chairperson of the Friends of Gorey Hospital, said it was a great pleasure to have helped provide the facilities and she said it was only “made possible by the fundraising events organised by the people of Gorey.”

Minister Kehoe cut the ribbon to declare the new facilities open while Very Rev. Willie Howell, P.P., Canon Mark Hayden and Rev. Steven Foster joined with the invited attendance in ecumenical prayer.

Full report in THE GOREY ECHO this week.