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.
