Agreement Reached On Westmeath Hospice Care Beds

Friday, 13 February 2026 16:50

The Foundation supports a range of care services.

A Midlands hospice and the HSE have reached an agreement on relocating pallative care beds.

Four level 2 support beds will go to the Heartlands Care Centre in Athlone, following an extensive mediation process between the health service and the South Westmeath Hospice.

The new facility will provide 48 beds, including the four to be relocated, alongside dedicated family rooms, garden access and assisted bathing facilites.

As part of this agreement, the HSE is reimbursing the Foundation with a settlement of €1.9 million, which will now be used to expand palliative care in the region.

Clare Lennon, spokesperson for the Board of the South Westmeath Hospice Foundation, said:

“This agreement marks the beginning of a new chapter for palliative care services in South Westmeath. Our volunteers have worked tirelessly over many years to support and develop these vital services, including raising €1.9 million to build the original four-bed unit in 2010. As part of this agreement, the HSE has reimbursed the Foundation with a settlement of €1.9 million, which will now be used to further enhance and expand palliative care supports in the region. Importantly, the same specialist Level 2 palliative care service will continue to be provided in Athlone, just in a new location. This agreement protects and strengthens services for patients and families, while allowing the Foundation to plan for future growth.”

Following the agreement, the South Westmeath Hospice Foundation will continue to contribute to the high standard of care currently delivered at St Vincent’s Care Centre. In addition to the four Palliative Care Support Beds, the Foundation also supports a range of services including home care packages, counselling, and occupational therapy.

Carole Broadbank, IHA Midlands, said:

“Through constructive discussions with the Board of the South Westmeath Hospice Foundation, the HSE is pleased to continue this positive working relationship. Heartlands Care Centre will provide high-quality, modern services for people in the area, and the HSE remains committed to supporting the delivery of compassionate, specialist palliative care into the future. I would like to acknowledge the ongoing support of the local community and look forward to continued collaboration with the Foundation.”

The South Westmeath Hospice Foundation and the HSE expressed their gratitude to the local community, volunteers, and fundraisers whose continued support remains vital to the delivery of palliative care services in the region.