The £1.2 million facility is Northern Ireland’s second children’s hospice and will enable families living in the most rural parts of the country to access the services it provides.
The new hospice will continue Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice’s mission of caring for children and young people with conditions for which there is no known cure, as well as their families and carers
“Horizon West will provide a range of support for children and young people with life-limiting conditions,” said Tina McCrossan, director of children’s services at Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.
“A mixture of planned stays at Horizon West as well as support for parents and siblings will be the focus of the facility, strengthening local children’s hospice services currently being provided across Northern Ireland. We are committed to providing accessible, high quality clinical care and family support remains a priority for the charity.”
The opening of the hospice follows a five-year fundraising appeal, which was spearheaded by the Fermanagh Support Group. Gladys O’Callaghan, who chairs the group, described their achievements as “extraordinary”. The group have raised a total of £1.5 million.
“All our efforts are now focused on annual running costs,” she said. “I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Fermanagh Support Group to thank the local people and all those who have given so generously for all they have done and continue to do to support children’s hospice services.”
In addition to the group’s efforts, Children in Need has provided funding for the post of care team manager for three years and the McClay Foundation has given the charity a grant of £300,000 towards nursing salaries.
At the opening event on Monday, the Duke of Kent toured the hospice, meeting children, families and staff. He also joined the staff and children in creating a piece of art, which will be placed in the hospice’s garden.
Speaking at the event, Northern Ireland Hospice chief executive, Heather Weir, thanked the Duke for opening the hospice and for his contribution to the artwork – which contains the word ‘solace’.
“Families when first faced with the harsh realities experience the worst, but in hospice they find the best. First class delivery of children’s palliative care is life changing,” she said. “Families are offered the chance to live a life they never thought could be possible. They find ‘solace’ – calm, comfort, consolation, cheer, support and relief.
“The art feature when completed will be a lasting reminder to everyone who sees it that hospice care is a journey of the most specialist and most loving care possible. It will also remind us of [the Duke’s] visit today and for marking the official opening of Horizon West.”
More information about Horizon West can be found on the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice website.
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