NI Hospice Developments

Guest speaker Ellen Hillen, NI Hospice Corporate Fundraising Manager, in a presentation well received by those present, described the work and future plans for the Hospice in caring for terminally ill patients and their families. She pointed out that the Hospice is unique as they provide specialist care to children, young people and adults.

They began in 1982 providing care to patients in their own homes; Somerton House opened in 1985 and in 2001 Northern Ireland Children Hospice opened Horizon House. The need for hospice care continues to grow, 15,000 die in NI every year and the Hospice deals with 1 in 5. Their current building is outdated and they are presently building a new Hospice which is expected to last for more than 30 years and provide care for over 10,000 patients, families and friends. One of the biggest projects ever undertaken by a charity in NI began in March 2014 and they expect to open the new hospice shortly.

The state-of-the-art building will be a warm and comfortable place designed to care for people with complex care needs including those with non-malignant illnesses such as respiratory illnesses, Parkinsons and dementia, have 18 single en-suite rooms with modern facilities, comfort and private space, a bright and spacious Day Hospice with outpatient clinics, peaceful gardens, a children and relatives area, a sanctuary, a Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy facility, an Education and research wing and public spaces such as a cafe and meeting rooms. In addition all facilities, including volunteer, catering, laundry, staff welfare and administration, will be upgraded.

The new building will cost £13m and so far they have raised £11.5m locally (£2.5m from the Government) but still need to raise the final £1.5m and are especially appealing for everyone to help. 

They currently receive £3m pa from Government for ongoing costs. Patients are referred to them and once there all care is free and for life. Additionally they provide care to patients, children and young people and their families in their own home providing an all round care package tailored to individual needs.