1. family and parenting
2. eldercare

N E w S L E T T E R Issue 7
Every moment matters...
An Taoiseach meets with Galway Hospice
Representatives
An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, recently met with
representatives of Galway Hospice following their
meeting with the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly
earlier that day. The meetings were held to discuss the
serious financial challenges facing Galway Hospice,
and the need to put additional services and facilities in
place to meet the ever-increasing demand for hospice
services. Proposals are being considered and further
discussions will take place over the coming months.
The meetings were positive and constructive towards
achieving a resolution of the issues.
An Taoiseach came to Galway Hospice last November
to visit Hospice Board Member John Cunningham,
who was an inpatient of the hospice at the time. During
that visit, Mr Cunningham raised with An
Taoiseach the perilous funding situation of Galway
Hospice, and the urgency of resolving historic funding
deficits so that the service could develop to meet the
ever-increasing demands. When Mr Cunningham
died in February 2012, An Taoiseach gave a public
commitment that he would honour the dying wishes
of his friend.
Photographed after the meeting in Leinster House
are (l-r): Sean O’Healy, Chief Executive of Galway
Hospice; Dr Ita Harnett, Consultant in Palliative
Medicine at Galway Hospice; An Taoiseach, Enda
Kenny TD; Joe Connolly, Patron and Board Member
of Galway Hospice; and Galway West TD Brian Walsh,
who arranged the meeting.
Galway Hospice Foundation, Renmore, Galway, Ireland
Tel: 091 - 770868 Fax: 091 - 752064 email: [email protected] Web: www.galwayhospice.ie
An update from the Chief Executive
The past year has been a very
challenging but yet exciting
time at Galway Hospice. On
the positive side, we continue
to receive huge support from
the people of Galway. Despite
the recession, our fundraising
income was only marginally
down last year on the previous
year. This was immensely
important, because the demand
for our services increased
significantly. Last year, we
cared for the highest number of patients ever in our Inpatient Unit
and through our Home Care service. Because of the unrelenting
demand, in June of this year we published a Discussion Paper in which
we outlined an ambitious proposal for an “interim” enhancement
of services at Galway Hospice, to include 6 additional inpatient
beds, and improved Day Care and outpatient facilities. This would
be achieved through a modest “add on” to our existing building in
Renmore. Long-term, we plan to relocate to a larger site so that we
can provide the necessary 26 beds and have space to expand for future
requirements. Discussions on both the interim and long-term plans
are ongoing with HSE and at a senior political level.
A recent very positive development has been the approval of an
additional Consultant in Palliative Medicine who will be based at
Galway Hospice but who will also provide services at University
Hospital Galway and Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe. This is part
of a strategic plan to improve the integration of services across the
county, and underpins the proposed service enhancements at Galway
Hospice described above. Linkages with University Hospital Galway
have been strengthened and there is a new focus on ensuring that the
appropriate care is provided in the appropriate location.
Our drive for the highest standards in service delivery continues.
Having achieved two world-class standards in 2009 (CHKS
accreditation and ISO 9001:2008 certification) we are undergoing a
taoiseach visits
hospice
An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny on a visit to Galway
Hospice pictured with (left) Mary Thornton, Health
Care Assistant and (right) Rose O’Donnell, Staff
Nurse during a private visit to Galway Hospice.
full re-inspection this autumn. The commitment of our staff to the
quality process and to external audit reflects their passion for ensuring
that our patients receive the very best care that can be provided,
insofar as is humanly possible. I am immensely grateful to this
wonderful team of staff and volunteers who, day after day, provide an
incredibly dedicated and compassionate service, despite the staffing
and funding challenges that impact considerably on our daily work.
One of the biggest challenges facing us is the continuing reduction in
HSE funding, at a time when demand for our services continues to
increase. In fact, this year we have to part-fund our Inpatient services
by up to €200,000, simply to avoid closing beds. This is in addition to
the €1.5 million we have to raise every year to fund our Home Care
and Day Care services. We would be very discouraged, were it not for
the strong political support we have received this past year at a very
senior level, and a personal public undertaking by An Taoiseach to
ensure that our funding issues are resolved.
This Newsletter, once again, includes testimonies from the families
of patients, and highlights the vast array of events that are held to
fundraise for Galway Hospice. There are amazing groups and people
out there who tirelessly organise annual events, or who zealously
promote our Weekly Draw, raising very considerable amounts over
the years. Others organise individual once-off events, some large,
some small, all of which contribute to a wonderful tapestry of public
gratitude and affection for what we do. Not forgetting the many
volunteers who come to the hospice and perform a myriad of tasks,
quietly and unassumingly. We never cease to be amazed at the
generosity and goodwill of all these people, serving others through
their selfless giving to Galway Hospice.
To conclude, we draw our strength from the support we receive from
the people of Galway and from the many verbal and written accolades
we receive from patients and their families. There are no words to
encapsulate what this means to us. I hope that our simple “thank you”
will suffice.
Art for Hospice
Sean O’Healy
The Kenny Gallery
made an ‘Art for
Hospice’ appeal to
both local and national
artists. The aim of the
appeal was to gather
original pieces of art
to adorn the walls of
the Inpatient Unit. An
eclectic mix of almost
80 pieces was donated
- further enhancing
the ‘home from
home’ atmosphere
that prevails in the
Hospice. Galway Hospice is very grateful to Kennys for this initiative
and especially to those artists who contributed original works. Conor
Kenny of the Kenny Gallery (pictured right) presents Michael
Craig of Galway Hospice with one of the ‘Art for Hospice’ original
paintings.
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Did you know that there is a Galway Hospice
Issue 6
Weekly Draw that costs just €1.27 per week to join?
Kilimanjaro Climb
Well done to Darragh Bailey who presented Orla
Feeney (Galway Hospice) with a cheque for
€4,000 which he raised through his successful
climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Galway
Hospice.
Connemarathon
in memory of patsy
ward R.i.p.
Michelle Kelly and her friends Fiona and Christian took part in the Connemarathon in aid of
Galway Hospice and in memory of Patsy Ward (RIP). The athletic trio raised a total of €1610
through the event, which they donated to Galway Hospice. Pictured at the cheque presentation
are (l-r): Michelle Kelly, Fiona Byrnes, Orla Feeney (Galway Hospice) and Christian Kelly.
Launch of Galway
Memorial Walk 2012
Pictured at the launch of the 2012 Memorial Walk in aid
of Galway Hospice are L-R Sean O Healy, CEO of Galway
Hospice and Mayor of Galway Cllr. Terry O’ Flaherty with
media sponsors Keith Finnegan of Galway Bay-FM and
Dave O’Connell, Editor, Tribune Group Newspapers.
Gort Lions Club
Well done to the members of Gort Lions Club who raised
€2,000 through a Table Quiz, held in Sullivan’s Hotel, Gort.
Pictured at the cheque presentation are (l-r): Paddy O’Grady,
John Hansberry, Mary Carey, Nell Giblin (President of
Gort Lions Club), Sadie McInerney, Emer Molloy (Galway
Hospice), Gerry O’Shaughnessy and Frank McDermott.
Crowe’s Bar
A night of music and entertainment was held in Crowe’s Bar on Easter
Sunday last in memory of Absent Friends, with €5373.70 being raised
for the Galway Hospice! The Galway Swing Dancers and Irish dancer
Colm Connelly provided the entertainment, along with singers Jennifer
Flaherty, Geraldine Fahy, and Tina Turner AKA Michelle Chevers.
Pictured at the cheque presentation are (l-r): Cllr. Ollie Crowe, Bernie
Walsh, Caroline Whyte (Boots Pharmacy), Michael Craig (Galway
Hospice) and DJ Lawrence Keleghan.
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Ballyglunin Races
The Ballyglunin Races committee have done it again!!!! The
event, which has been running every year since 2003, has
become established as one of the biggest events of its kind in
Ireland and each year proves to be a very enjoyable day out for
all the family. Pictured at the presentation of the cheque for
€10,200 to Galway Hospice from this year’s event are:
Front Row: Bernie Lambert, Mai Loughlin, Orla Feeney
(Galway Hospice), Mattie Ryan, Sharon Gannon,
Mairead Kelly. Middle Row: Mattie Loughlin, Francis
Connolly, Eugene Whelan, Paddy Igoe, Mick Davin.
Back Row: P.J. Connolly, Paddy Joe Joyce, Aidan Loughlin,
Kevin Tarpey, Paddy Igoe and Thomas Ruane.
Athenry Golf Am AM
Many thanks to the organisers of the Golf Am Am
which took place in Athenry Golf Club in aid of
Galway Hospice. Despite the bad weather, the event
proved to be a huge success, raising €6,700 for Galway
Hospice. Pictured at the cheque presentation are (l-r):
Pat O’Keeffe, Mixie Donoghue (Athenry Golf Club
Captain), Mary Tierney (Galway Hospice), John
Marley, Julie O’Toole and Eileen Clarke (Clarke’s
of Corrandulla). Absent from the photograph
are Michael Devaney and John Lardner who also
contributed to organising this event. Pat O’Keeffe,
John Marley and Michael Devaney are Volunteers at
Galway Hospice.
Annaghdown 25th
Annual Cycle
The 25th Annaghdown Annual Cycle was held once again in aid
of Galway Hospice. The event was a huge success with 80 cyclists
and 20 extra people providing transport and traffic control. A
cheque for €20,720 was handed over to the Galway Hospice at a
presentation night in Regans of Clonboo on Friday 15th June
2012. Pictured are committee members (l-r): Agnes Fox, Sean
Tully, Eileen Regan, Breda King (Galway Hospice) and Winnie
Farragher with the plaque presented to them by Galway Hospice
for their fundraising efforts.
Connemara
Loop-A-Thon
Well done to Leo Mansfield and the organisers of the
Connemara Loop-A-Thon event which raised €3,500 for
Galway Hospice. The Loop-A-Thon took place on New
Year’s Eve 2011 and involved participants running or
walking 5.6km. Pictured at the cheque presentation are
(l-r): Event Mascot ‘Conn O’Mara’, Leo Mansfield,
Siobhan Stoney, Agnes Stokes (representing Galway
Hospice), Caitriona O’Toole, Brian Hughes, Michelle
Hughes and Dave Beecher.
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Marks & Spencer
Well done to Marks and Spencer (M&S) who organised a
collection in aid of Galway Hospice, raising €1403.79 in the
process! Pictured is Shaun Burke of M&S presenting the
cheque to Michael Craig of Galway Hospice.
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The average length of stay in the Galway Hospice
Issue 6
Inpatient Unit was 16.5 days in 2011.
The (Male!) Nurse’s PerspectivE...
Ten years ago I joined the
Galway Hospice Foundation,
following a move back from the
‘hustle and bustle’ of London
to start a new life with my
partner in the West of Ireland.
I trained as a nurse in the U.K.
with a background in Oncology,
however, my instinct and
personal philosophy would
direct me towards Palliative
Care.
Essentially an approach with
the emphasis on quality of life for patients and their families,
Palliative Care aims to prevent and relieve suffering in those
with a serious and often life-threatening illness. While there
may be physical symptoms like pain and nausea to address,
there is equal significance put on psychosocial and spiritual
issues. It is under this umbrella of Palliative Care that the
medical, nursing and therapeutic ethos of Galway Hospice is
practiced.
programme of care designed around that person and their
family. Fortunately in Ireland we live in a society where the
essence of family is still so important. In our profession the
use of the word ’family’ can be wide-ranging. For example it
could mean that the patient is under the loving care of staff in
a Residential or Nursing Home. In other cases, ‘family’ might
comprise a solitary loyal friend, or even a beloved pet.
Individually, as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, I do hundreds of
home visits each year. As the only male nurse on the team,
I suppose it is inevitable that when people meet me for the
first time, it can challenge the image they may have had of
the ‘Hospice Nurse’. I’ve had serious convincing to do over
the years that I wasn’t the oil delivery man, the plumber,
the insurance salesman, and at one point I spent a good ten
minutes in a farmyard pleading for someone to believe that I
wasn’t the A.I. man!
It never fails to amaze me how Galway Hospice has such a
place in the hearts and minds of so many people. Although
established from humble beginnings and predominantly with
the support of the people of Galway and the West of Ireland,
it has developed into a highly specialized, internationally
Although traditionally seen as a service that deals
accredited institution. Despite this, the Home Care
predominantly with the effects of cancer, our role diversifies
Department is still run solely on charitable donations. It is,
to other illnesses that may be advanced or life-threatening.
and has been, a great place to work. Collectively, our aim here
This could include illnesses like Motor
at the Hospice is to have a positive and lifeI meet extraordinary affirming effect on those for whom we care.
Neuron Disease, Dementia and Cardiac
people doing this job.
Failure. It is a service that is available to
People who display
those of any age.
I meet extraordinary people doing this job.
amazing strength. People People who display amazing strength. People
who are vulnerable and who are vulnerable and sometimes very ill,
I work as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in
sometimes very ill, but but who can channel immense adversity
the Home Care (Hospice at Home)
who can channel
Department at Galway Hospice. The
into profound courage. I meet babies who
immense adversity into aren’t old enough to know their own name,
team includes a Consultant in Palliative
profound courage.
Medicine, Doctors, Clinical Nurse
yet have inspired more people in their short
Specialists, Social Workers, Therapists
lives than most of us could dream of doing in
and Pastoral Care. As Clinical Nurse Specialists we are
ten lifetimes. I meet men and women with the life experience
required to have advanced training and qualifications, and are
of many, many decades, who will not let the small matter of a
independently accredited.
non-curative illness get in their way of living a life. I meet the
families of these extraordinary people who give selflessly of
As part of my role at Galway Hospice, I often find myself
themselves. In sporting terms, I meet the kind of people you
dispelling the myth of what Hospice Home Care signifies.
would want at your back. In a world where words like ‘hero’
A referral to us does not mean that all hope is lost. It does
are used loosely, I’m privileged to meet the real deal as part of
not mean that the pleasures of daily life will stop. In fact it is
my working life.
our aim to empower the patient to live at home with dignity,
while being able to access a professional and compassionate
Kevin Finnegan, Clinical Nurse Specialist
The Drive for 10,000!
The Galway Hospice Weekly Draw has been
the bedrock of our fundraising since the Draw
started in 1988. Currently there are close
on 4000 members contributing every week,
providing a steady flow of funding that is so
important for service delivery. With the everincreasing demand for our services, we are
planning to expand our Home Care and Day
Care services, and provide six more inpatient
beds. This is an ambitious short-term plan,
given the economic challenges we all face, but
it can be achieved. So, later this year we will be
launching “the Drive for 10,000”, a campaign
across every parish in County Galway to achieve
10,000 members in our Weekly Draw. This
would make a huge difference in helping us to
provide the level of services that the people of
Galway need, and deserve. For as little as €1.27
per week, every additional Membership of the
Draw will help us to meet that need, help us
to make a difference in the lives of those for
whom “every moment matters”.
5
Forging ahead
Galway Hospice was presented with a cheque for €11,000 by the
Forge Pub Moylough and Mountbellew Vintage Club. The funds
were raised through the raffle of a 1966 Morris Minor car, which was
donated by the late Paddy Conneelly (RIP). The members of the
Mountbellew Vintage Club spent approximately 200 hours meticulously
restoring the car to its former glory. The car (which was the main
attraction of the night of the presentation!) still has its original vehicle
user manual and tax book and looks great despite its 45 year vintage status.
Pictured are (l-r): PJ Glynn, Orla Feeney (Galway Hospice), Veronica
Kelly (The Forge Pub) and Danny Glynn, with the Morris
Minor Car.
Nestors Supervalu
Ballybane
The staff of Nestors Supervalu Ballybane organised a Sponsored Walk
and a Bag Packing event in aid of Galway Hospice, which raised €1,165.
Pictured at the cheque presentation are (l-r): Barbara Haredinska,
Fiona McKinnon (Galway Hospice), Charlie Devlin, James Houlihan,
Una Greaney, Stephanie Moran and Kieran Greaney.
Regina Luft’s
Coffee Morning
Regina Luft held a Coffee Morning for Galway Hospice at her home
in Oranmore, Galway. Regina’s event was well supported by her many
friends and work colleagues. The event raised €760 for Galway Hospice,
which is very much appreciated!
Pictured (l-r) are: Olive Fahy, Michelle Henahan, Regina Luft and Cathy
Keating, enjoying their Bewley’s Coffee on the day. If you are interested
in hosting a Coffee Morning contact the fundraising office at Galway
Hospice for more details.
Kilrickle 5k Walk
The people of Kilrickle and surrounding areas turned out in large
numbers to be part of a cheque presentation following their very
successful 5k Walk, which was held in aid of Galway Hospice. The Walk
took place on May Day, Sunday 1st May 2011, and proved to be a huge
success, raising the very impressive total of €7263.77. Pictured at the
cheque presentation are organisers Carmel Lawlor and Ita Daly, with
Colette Dodd of Galway Hospice (centre).
6
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The number of admissions to the Galway Hospice
Issue 6
Inpatient Unit in 2011 was 230.
Remembering
Eithne
Mulvihill
bright, airy flower-filled space greeted me with a smiling, welcoming
receptionist. I was taken down to Eithne’s room where I found her
quite content. Having been in total denial of her condition, it was
as though she had finally become resigned to her situation. The
staff were so attentive to her every need – the ethos of the hospice
by Joan Mulvihill on behalf of the
seemed to be totally patient and family oriented. Nothing was too
Mulvihill Family
much trouble. All her needs, physical, emotional and spiritual were
fully met at all times. The staff were always on hand to answer any
ur sister Eithne was the fifth of seven children born to our
questions we had and to allay our fears, while at the same time being
parents in Athlone. She came to Galway in her early twenties,
totally open regarding the inevitable outcome. We had their support
loved the city, especially the Salthill area and worked diligently until
and guidance at all times, day or night. They listened, discussed and
she took early retirement in her fifties. She was an intensely private
kept us fully informed on a daily basis. The kitchen was available to us
person, fiercely independent, stubborn on occasions, a loyal, gentle
for sustenance and the reviving cup of tea or coffee on a 24-hour basis.
and loving friend with a wicked sense of humour, trustworthy and
The family visited regularly and were always welcomed with a friendly
very discreet. Walking was her passion; every day, no matter what
word. Eithne’s condition deteriorated fairly rapidly and eventually she
the weather brought, sometimes covering between 12 and 18 miles.
was moved into a single room where we could spend the remaining
She loved the outdoors, the sea and the sun and, once she discovered
few days of her life with her. Words fail me in trying to describe those
Lanzarote, an annual trip there was essential!
precious days. The compassion and support the family received was
quite astonishing; one would imagine we were the only family going
through the trauma of a loved one’s passing. The staff were constantly
In November 2005 I had a call from my brother informing me
checking on Eithne and reassuring her with gentle words. As she
that Eithne had collapsed in her apartment and had been taken by
slipped into a coma all the family sat with her for several hours at
ambulance to UCHG where she was seriously ill. She had been
a time. I sat beside her bed all through her last night. Nurses and
suffering from headaches for some time. It transpired, much later,
doctors came in to check on her regularly as her life slowly drew to
that she had been staggering and falling for some time but hadn’t
a close. As dawn broke and she drew her last breath, a nurse was
mentioned those facts to anyone!
checking her pulse and then turned to me and said
“she is gone” – it was so peaceful that I actually
After a few days the dreaded news was
it was so peaceful
that I actually didn’t didn’t notice her drift away. She died exactly
broken to us – Eithne had an inoperable
tumour on her lung and there was nothing notice her drift away. three months after her collapse. The loving care I
that could be done. After Christmas, she
received for the following few hours is something
had radiotherapy on the tumour, following which it was time to
I shall never forget – each of the staff in turn came in to console and
discharge her from UCHG. But where would she get the care she
sympathise with me and offered all the help I needed.
needed? It was a desperate time for all the family; how would we look
after our sister? Imagine our relief and gratitude when Eithne agreed
Our family were so fortunate to have the dedicated team in the
Galway Hospice to give our sister the exceptional care she received, so
to the suggestion of the palliative care team at UCHG to go to the
fortunate to have such precious memories of her last days, so fortunate
hospice as soon as there was a bed for her.
that she was enabled to have a peaceful, pain free and dignified death.
Two days later Eithne was admitted to Galway Hospice. Not having
We will be forever grateful to all the staff – we can never thank them
had any previous experience of hospice care, I had imagined it would
enough. They were there in our time of greatest need. The people of
be a sad, sombre place. On the contrary what I experienced on
Galway are so very lucky to have the services of the Galway Hospice.
entering the front door was a sense of peace and tranquility. A
O
Why not register
now to host a
coffee morning
in aid of
Galway Hospice?
www.galwayhospice.ie
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remembering
galway hospice Board
Member John Cunningham
Fond Memories of Board Member John Cunningham, who died on 7th
February 2012 at Galway Hospice. This photo was taken on 2nd October
2010 during the visit of the then Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, to Galway
Hospice. Little did we know at that time that the next Taoiseach, Enda
Kenny, would be visiting John as a hospice patient just a year later. John
was a tremendous ally of Galway Hospice and his legacy is only beginning
to unfold. May he rest in peace.
Monivea Centenary
Celebrations
Many thanks to the committee members who organised the
1911 Monivea Centenary Celebration, which raised €6,023
for Galway Hospice. Pictured at the cheque presentation
are (l-r): Jackie Conneely, Michael Connelly, Orla Feeney
(Galway Hospice), Joe Kelly, John Flaherty, Mal Dolly and
Noel Flaherty.
40th Anniversary celebrations
Michael and Maura O’Grady celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary and raised €2,500
for Galway Hospice by requesting family and friends to donate to Galway Hospice in lieu of
anniversary gifts. Pictured at the cheque presentation are (l-r): Maura O’Grady, Emer Molloy
(Galway Hospice) and Michael O’Grady.
Abbeyknockmoy Set
Dancing
Many thanks to the Abbeyknockmoy “Wednesday Night Set Dancing Club”
who held a Ceili in the Abbey Inn, Abbeyknockmoy in aid of the Galway
Hospice. Geraldine Healy along with members of the ‘Wednesday Night
Set Dancing Club’ presented Mary Tierney (Galway Hospice) with the
proceeds from their event.
Cappataggle Arts
and Drama Group
Many thanks to the Cappataggle Arts and Drama
Group, who presented Galway Hospice with a
cheque for €700.00 which they raised through
staging a play in aid of Galway Hospice.
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There were 1259 attendances by patients to the
Issue 6
Hospice Day Care Centre in 2011.
Margaret Ridge memorial walk
Once again the annual Margaret Ridge Memorial Walk
proved to be a huge success, raising €8,704 this year
for Galway Hospice. This walk has been taking place
since 2002 and to date, it has raised a total figure of
€100,560.73 for Galway Hospice.
Pictured at the cheque presentation are (l-r): Louis Ridge,
Maureen O’Sullivan, Coleman Cooke, Margaret Forde
(Galway Hospice) and Mary Ann O’Sullivan.
Galway Golf Club
Am-Am Auction
A Golf AmAm was held in Galway Golf Club in aid
of Galway Hospice . Pictured is Joe Lyons (www.
golfwithamember.com) presenting a cheque for €3995 to
Michael Craig of Galway Hospice.
Group 4S walk
in memory of
Pat Moran
Many thanks to the colleagues, friends and family of
Pat Moran who walked in memory of Pat, a former
employee of G4S, in the Galway Memorial Walk and
raised €5864 in the process.
Pictured at the cheque presentation to Michael Craig
(centre, front row) are: Front row (l-r): Pat’s family –
Nathan, Justin, Mary (Pat’s wife), Colin & Shona.
Back Row (l-r): Frank Cassidy, Peter Glennon,
Eugene Nolan, Sean Beegan, Angus McDonagh &
Neville de Lappe.
Carna Bay Hotel New York
marathon run
Mary Cloherty (right) of Carna Bay Hotel presented Mary Tierney of
Galway Hospice with a cheque for €1408.36 which was raised by Mary’s two
sons Michael and Paraic, who participated in the New York City Marathon
on behalf of Carna Bay Hotel, in aid of Galway Hospice.
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Croagh Patrick
Fancy Dress Climb
Well done to all the climbers who took part
in the fancy dress Croagh Patrick Climb in
memory of Susie Downey Grealy. Susie’s
family and friends donated the proceeds of this
event jointly to Galway Hospice and Cancer
Care West.
Pictured are Rosie and Olivia Downey
presenting a cheque for €4,235 to Orla
Feeney of Galway Hospice, and some of the
participants on the day pictured in the mist at
the top of Croagh Patrick.
GENBAND Ireland Ltd
Staff of Genband Ireland Ltd organised and took part in a sponsored
walk in aid of Galway Hospice. The walk was held on June 1st
as part of Genband’s Global Day of Service and raised €2770 for
Galway Hospice.
flora
mini marathon
Galway Hospice was again the chosen charity for the Burke
Ladies, who participated in the 2012 Flora Women’s Mini
Marathon in aid of Galway Hospice. These fantastic ladies are
huge supporters of Galway Hospice each year through their
participation in this mini marathon and yet again this year, their
efforts proved successful, raising €2,110 in the process.
Pictured at the cheque presentation are (l-r): Joan Burke, Marie
Burke, Sarah Burke and Bridie Fitzgerald (Galway Hospice).
Cookstown Textile
Recyclers
Clothes recycling has proven to be a runaway fundraising success
for Galway Hospice, with receipt of a further cheque for €22,149
from Cookstown Textile Recyclers. This was raised from clothes
recycling in 2011. Textile Recycling Banks operate in association
with Galway County Council and a list of sites can be found on
our website www.galwayhospice.ie
Pictured are Billy Conway (Cookstown Textile Recyclers)
presenting the 2011 proceeds to Fiona McKinnon
(Galway Hospice).
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The Galway Hospice Home Care Nursing team
Issue 6
cared for 454 patients in 2011.
MYLES KING
When we discovered that Myles
(my husband) had been diagnosed
with a Brain Tumour our whole
world seemed to collapse. A very
insignificant glitch in his speech
during a drive home from Galway
on a lovely sunny day in June 2010
prompted us to go straightaway to
his G.P. who referred him for a scan,
which showed the presence of a brain
tumour.
Brain surgery in Beaumont revealed a GBM grade 4 tumour and
Myles returned to UHG where a programme of combined radiation
and chemotherapy was set up.
Traversing back and over from UHG for radiation as an outpatient,
and having chemotherapy at home etc. was scary. Parking at UHG
was difficult and the support package provided was not flexible
enough to relieve fatigue and stress. If only Myles had been referred
direct to the hospice team …….
UHG and helped an awful lot with adjusting medication etc.
On another occasion I got a bit worried and contacted the Hospice –
it was on a Sunday, at 10.a.m. The Home Care Nurse gave me some
advice and, as she was going to Clifden to visit another patient, she
called in to Myles on her way back that evening at about 6.00pm. That
visit helped us such a lot. I felt bad knowing she was on the road all
day and on a Sunday! It is a shame to think that the only funding the
Home Care Nurses and Care staff receive is from collecting on the
streets of Galway, from any proceeds from the sale of Galway Hospice
Christmas Cards, and other fundraising events.
Early in February 2011, while Myles was an inpatient at the hospice,
we attended the Neurologist in UHG to get Myles’ medication
adjusted to correct his sleep patterns. The Hospice Consultant and
her doctors kept in constant contact with the Consultant Neurologist
UHG to manage and review these new adjustments. Once his
medications were adjusted, Myles hoped to return home again.
I called in to Myles at the hospice before lunch one day to find that
he had slept in and was enjoying his breakfast! He was scraping the
last morsels of a bowl of porridge (his favourite food) and had a
plate of lovely buttered toast in front of him, and was already talking
Then Galway Hospice phoned us, offering a home visit, which was
about his lunch! Shortly afterwards I had to call the Nurse who was
followed up with more visits/phone calls
followed by two Doctors and they wrapped Myles in
asking how we were doing, and getting to
It was very re-assuring thermal blankets as he seemed to be getting a chill or
know Myles and getting to know us.
to see everything
similar. They were only marvellous and he was made
possible being done for comfortable with a drip for antibiotics etc. It was very
When they encouraged us to visit Day
Myles.
re-assuring to see everything possible being done for
Care at the Hospice, I had some misgivings
Myles.
in case Myles would not be comfortable visiting the Hospice, but
from our first visit there things began to change. Firstly there were
I was very concerned that our son had gone to India for a week and he
no parking problems! We were made to feel most welcome. The
was expecting to see his father at home on his return. I called him on
Hospice Day Care was a hive of activity, with people going about their my mobile and both the Doctor and the Hospice Consultant spoke to
various activities i.e. some getting their hair done, others having tea
our son to update him on the unfolding situation. Myles died in his
and scones, reading Newspapers, others meeting with the doctor in
sleep later that night in a lovely calm tranquil environment, in the care
attendance, others having Aromatherapy treatments etc.
of ‘his pals’.
In the midst of all this I was not ignored! I found myself being called
to one side regularly to see how I was coping. The staff listened
carefully and figured out that while Myles was availing of their
facilities on Tuesday mornings I could get some shopping done, and
then both of us would have lunch together in the hospice Restaurant.
Myles really enjoyed these lunches and it was just like ‘being out to
lunch’. Apart from that it felt like a very safe environment.
Myles really looked forward to those Tuesday outings to the Hospice
and even more so when he discovered they had a Jacuzzi. It was
nice to see Myles chatting away with the staff whom he referred to as
‘his pals’. And so our relationship with the Galway Hospice began.
Weren’t we so lucky to be able to go there when the chips were
down…
As time progressed we had many ups and downs. On one occasion
there was an episode at home and the only place I felt I could get help
was the Hospice and they came on the phone and talked me through
the situation whilst calling an Ambulance on my behalf and staying
in contact until it arrived. They followed up on all these situations
and in due course Myles had overnight / short stays in the Hospice,
and the Hospice Doctors worked closely with the Neurology Dept of
What makes this Galway Hospice so special?
In our opinion it is their ability to work together as a team. Each and
every one of them - the Consultant, Doctors, Nurses, Carers and
support staff - add value by way of providing help where they see it is
needed. They are completely flexible. In fact they are Stars.
For me I will never again buy an imported Christmas card when
Galway Hospice Cards are available. You just have to ask for Galway
Hospice cards. Some shops do not stock them because Galway
Hospice does not pay commission.
The Galway Hospice has everything ‘in situ’. They know how to care
for and about people. The Galway Hospice is a wonderful facility. We
never had a problem parking. We were never made to feel ‘in the way’.
Doctors, Nurses and Carers, all trying to make life as good as possible
for us.
We were in an awful place until Galway Hospice came to our rescue.
Dympna King
11
Students of Scoil
Iosaif Naofa and
Calasanctius College
Well done to the boys from the Scoil Iosaif Naofa and
Calasanctius College in Oranmore, Galway, who played their
lungs out last Christmas at Oranmore Town Centre, all in aid
of Galway Hospice. The boys raised a fantastic €734.90 for
Galway Hospice through their exceptional performance.
Pictured in action are (l-r): Tina Glynn with Jude MoranNunn, Conor Fogarty, Matthew McKernan, Luke Corrigan,
Conor Mullins and Rory Glynn.
Oughterard Golf Club
Grace Morris (Lady Captain – Oughterard Golf Club)
presented Mary Thornton (Galway Hospice) with a
cheque for €600 which was raised at the Oughterard Golf
Club’s Ladies Open Day.
BPW Galway Summer Lunch
Newsletter
Sponsorship
The printing of this issue of the Galway
Hospice Newsletter has been sponsored
by Advertees. Pictured are: Michael Craig
Galway Hospice and Roy
Gibson, MD
Adertees.
Michelle Murphy, President of BPW
(Business and Professional Women)
Galway, presented Galway Hospice
with a cheque for €3,000 which was
raised through a raffle at their Annual
Summer Lunch. Pictured at the cheque
presentation are (l-r): Michelle Murphy
(BPW Galway President), Colette
Dodd (Galway Hospice), Michael
Craig (Galway Hospice) and Aine
Feeney (BPW Galway).
Nell Feeney
coffee morning
Nell Feeney held a very successful Coffee Morning and
Sale of Work at the Huntsman Inn and raised €3,500 for
Galway Hospice.
The photo, taken at the Huntsman Inn, shows Nell Feeney
presenting a cheque for €3,500 to Orla Feeney (centre) of
Galway Hospice, the proceeds from the joint events. The
photo also includes Stephen Francis, Proprietor of the
Huntsman Inn, who provided the venue for the event.
12
i
The Galway Hospice Home Care Team made 5832
Issue 6
“Hospice at Home” visits in 2011
remembering
Galway Hospice
Board Member
Rynal Coen
Fond Memories of Galway Hospice Board Member
Rynal Coen who died on 6th March 2012. Rynal was a
tremendous ally of Galway Hospice since 1988, and was
hugely involved in campaigning and fundraising for the
building of the hospice in the early 1990’s. May he rest
in peace. In this photo, Rynal is pictured greeting the
then Taoiseach Brian Cowen during his visit to Galway
Hospice on 2nd October. 2010.
Monivea Charity
Ride
The Monivea Charity Ride committee presented Galway
Hospice with a cheque for €5,190.
Pictured at the cheque presentation are (l-r): Sarah
Greaney, Peter Greaney, Mary Byrne, Keelan Dempsey,
Orla Feeney (Galway Hospice), Martin O’Brien, Michael
Dolan and Fergal King. Photo courtesy of Gerry Ahern
Photography.
new Physiotherapy
unit at
Galway Hospice
Pictured at the opening of the new Physiotherapy Unit at Galway
Hospice are: Deborah Mullen, (Chartered Physiotherapist, Galway
Hospice), Bridie Quinlivan (Health Care Assistant, Galway Hospice)
and Florrie Connolly (Volunteer).
Sponsors of the
Galway Hospice
Christmas Cards 2011
Sponsors of the Galway Hospice Christmas Cards 2011 were
(L-R): Brian Whyte (Radharc Landscaping), Hilary Martyn,
(Galway Independent), John O’Reilly (Galway Stationary),
and David Martin (the Sweeney Group). Absent from the
photo is Joe O’Toole (O’Toole’s SuperValu, Tuam).
13
HP Finance Team
You can always count on the Finance Team at Hewlett Packard to deliver
on their plans and projections. With stock markets tumbling across the
world, the HP Finance team looked upwards rather than downwards, and set
their sights on climbing to the peak of Croagh Patrick, all to benefit Galway
Hospice. What’s more, they did it, and they have the photo to prove it!
Congratulations to all concerned for a very successful climb, which raised
€2700 for Galway Hospice.
Pictured are the group at the top of Croagh Patrick and presenting the
proceeds from their event to Orla Feeney (Galway Hospice).
‘Kick the Wall’
In 2012, Salthill Rotary Club launched a fantastic new fundraising
project for local Galway charities. With the full support of Galway City
Council, a permanent limestone collection point was erected at
the famous ‘Kick the Wall’ location at the end of the Promenade at
Blackrock. The collection point incorporates the slogan ‘Small Change,
Big Impact’ which will hopefully motivate people to make their
traditional kick a ‘powerful one’ through donating their small change to
a local charity.
The first chosen charity was Galway Hospice and the initiative raised
€4,000 over the three month period allocated to Galway Hospice.
Ollie Canning
Famous Galway hurler, Ollie Canning came to Galway Hospice to present a signed
hurley to Cyril Daly from Ballinasloe. Cyril is an avid follower of Galway hurling
and a huge admirer of the Canning family’s contribution to Galway hurling over
the years. Pictured are (l-r): Deborah Mullen (Chartered Physiotherapist), Seamus
Canning (who made the hurley), Mari Gallagher (Director of Nursing), Breda
Casserly (Pastoral Care), Dr Ita Harnett (Consultant in Palliative Medicine), and
Ollie Canning, presenting the hurley to Cyril Daly (centre, front).
remembering
lord hemphill
14
Lord Hemphill (Peter Patrick Fitzroy Martyn), a Trustee of Galway Hospice from
the very beginning, died earlier this year. He was very influential in the early
days of Galway Hospice’s development, particularly in negotiations to secure the
operational funding of the hospice Inpatient Unit by the then Western Health
Board after it had been built by the people of Galway. He worked quietly behind
the scenes, developing networks of support that remain to this day. He was loyal
and encouraging to the very end. In his passing, Galway Hospice has lost a true
friend. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
i
Galway Hospice is the only dual accredited
Issue 6
Hospice in Ireland
Volunteering at Galway Hospice Foundation
I joined Galway Hospice as
Volunteer Co-ordinator in
October 2005, having worked
as a Fundraising Volunteer in
the preceding years. At that
time there were approximately
30 Volunteers who covered the
Hospice Reception Desk for a
number of hours on Saturdays
and Sundays, and others who
came in each weekday evening
while the Reception staff had
their coffee break. There was also
at that time a group of 15 ladies who worked at the Hospice
Christmas Shop each year. This shop was operational from
mid November until Christmas Eve and for many years raised
considerable funds for Galway Hospice.
a group from the Carnmore Ladies Club who make cloth
pouches for the Syringe Drivers for our Home Care Team. All
of these important tasks contribute in their own unique way to
the many dimensions of care and service provided by the team
at Galway Hospice.
All our rostered Volunteers are provided with Induction,
Manual Handling, HACCP and Hand Hygiene training as
appropriate, and any further training that their particular
role may require. Whenever possible we send Volunteers on
relevant external courses locally and nationally.
In addition to the Volunteers that I look after, there’s literally
an army of external volunteers who help out with Fundraising,
be it for occasions like Sunflower Day, Coffee Morning, or the
Galway Memorial Walk, not to mention those that organise
annual fundraising events for the hospice. There’s a large
group of Weekly Draw Promoters, many of whom have been
Volunteering has been very important to Galway Hospice
involved from the very beginning of the Draw, and who are
since its very origins, and, remarkably,
hugely loyal to the hospice. Every Christmas
The generosity of the throughout the county, many shopkeepers and
some of our earliest volunteers are still
Irish spirit expressed other individuals sell our Christmas Cards,
playing a significant role in the life of
Galway Hospice. The hospice building through volunteering with the full purchase price returning to Galway
is one of Ireland’s
opened in December 1997, and we have
Hospice. One gentleman has been volunteering
greatest treasures. with us for 25 years and continues to help
lists of Reception Volunteers going back
to 1998. Thankfully many of the original
whenever needed, and to promote the hospice
group of Reception Volunteers are still
at every opportunity. He also represents the
serving with us today.
Hospice in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in his vintage
car. These volunteers and Promoters are co-ordinated by the
Volunteering at Galway Hospice has grown hugely over the
Fundraising Manager and his team.
years. There are now 110 active Volunteers all of whom are on
a rota which may be weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or bi-monthly. Volunteers are deeply appreciated and valued at Galway
Everyone has a role to play and we now have Volunteers in
Hospice and without their help and support we would not be
almost all areas of the Hospice. Our Reception Volunteers
able to offer the level of services to our patients and families
still cover for several hours on Saturdays and Sundays, plus
that we do, given the difficult economic climate.
evening coffee breaks, and more recently have been providing
lunch cover each day for our staff Monday to Friday. We also
It is my pleasure to work with this wonderful group of people
have volunteers in Day Care, Inpatient Unit, Maintenance,
who give of themselves so unselfishly, who sometimes attend
Fundraising and Physiotherapy. The list includes Drivers in
at very short notice, often travelling long journeys and at weekareas such as Day Care, Fundraising and Maintenance. We
ends to work with us when required. The generosity of the
have Hairdressers in Day Care and in the Inpatient Unit.
Irish spirit expressed through volunteering is one of Ireland’s
We have volunteer Librarian, Florists, Clerical, Gardeners,
greatest treasures.
Painters, Beauticians etc., and a team that help with our
Remembrance Evenings. There’s a volunteer who moves and
Applications for volunteering at Galway Hospice are accepted
sets up 100 chairs for each Remembrance Evening and returns at all times, but it sometimes can take a little while to find a
them upstairs to the Education Room afterwards. There’s
suitable role for those that apply. Unfortunately sometimes we
even a volunteer who goes through all the local papers and
have to decline applications if we feel that we could not meet
extracts all photos and items relating to Galway Hospice, for
the volunteer’s expectations or preferences.
our archive! For many years, two precious ladies counted milk
tokens which in turn translated into considerable income
- Rita Grealish Volunteer Co-Ordinator
for the hospice, until the tokens were discontinued. There’s
15
galway hospice Memorial walk 2011
Galway Hospice Foundation, Renmore, Galway, Ireland
Tel: 091 - 770868 Fax: 091 - 752064 email: [email protected] Web: www.galwayhospice.ie
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