Monday, November 25, 2013

Waterford Hospice appoints new Chairperson




The Waterford Hospice Movement recently appointed Danette Connolly as the new Chairperson of the Board.


Ms. Connolly, who is Director of Care with Home Instead Senior Care Waterford and Director of Training at the NAS Centre, has been a board member since June 2013.  Speaking of the appointment, Danette said “I am delighted to have received the support of the board and intend to continue the hard work of the outgoing Hospice Chair Mr. Pat Gilhooly.”



“25 years ago a group of volunteers got together with the intention of providing palliative care for Waterford’s terminally ill.  As a result of their vision and determination the Waterford Hospice Movement has gone from strength to strength providing hospice care for patients with life threatening illnesses to those in Waterford city, county, South Kilkenny and surrounding areas.”



Danette added, “Back in 1988 there was a total of £2,500 available for services.  We now receive only a third of the required funding from the HSE and annually need to fund raise €400,000.  In addition to this we have committed to raising €6million for the completion of a state of the art 20 bed unit in the grounds of Waterford Regional Hospital.”



Coupled with chairing the Waterford Hospice Board, Danette, a registered nurse has been active in raising awareness about issues pertinent to seniors such as Care Choices for seniors; osteoporosis and fall prevention; Positive Ageing solutions; lobbying for the regulation of care services for the 60,000 seniors throughout Ireland and also founded the Waterford Stroke Support group in 2010.



The new appointment was widely welcomed by the Hospice Board members, including Marie Cummins, Hospice Fundraising co-ordinator.  “I am both, in my capacity as a board member and personally, delighted that Danette has been appointed.  The main focus for the Waterford Hospice Movement is to provide hospice homecare services to those in Waterford and South Kilkenny.”



“Having worked on various projects with Danette over the years I am confident that she can drive the hospice movement assuring the best facilities, care and support services for those with terminal illnesses.”



Danette continued, “Although everyone of the board is committed to the fundraising drive to for the new unit this is in addition to our day to day services.  I’m grateful that we have the support of the public to achieve this goal.”



To find out more about the Waterford Hospice Movement visit www.waterfordhospice.ie, call 051 844847 or find them on Facebook.


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