AGM 2022

We recently held our AGM, followed by a Public Meeting which was attended by volunteers, support groups, and fundraisers.

Dr. Ita Harnett, Palliative Care Consultant and Honorary Board Member, provided a real insight into Palliative Care over the last two years, and how The Mayo Hospice has made such a positive difference to the patients and their families. She was particularly grateful to the Foundation for ensuring the Palliative Teams had a supply of PPE gear at the beginning of Covid 19, when it was in very short supply. By supplying this to the teams, it meant that the nurse & doctors were able to continue to provide the service to patients in their own homes.

It was great to have Dr.Jennifer Brannock, Palliative Care Consultant, Mayo Hospice, to give a really interesting talk on the Mayo Hospice, and the difference it has made to the patients and families who have been used the service over the last year. The hospice is providing dignity, respect, compassion and comfort, at the most difficult time in a familys’ life. Both Dr.Brannock and Dr.Harnett well fulsome in their thanks and praise to Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation for the Mayo Hospice and for their ongoing support.

We received updates on the Homecare Palliative Care Service from Elaine McCarron, Homecare Team Manager, Mayo, and Ursula Donoghue, Acting Homecare Team Manager, Roscommon. Both ladies gave a very interesting update on the challenges faced by the teams over the last two years The service was extremely busy, and referral of new patients continues to increase. 47% of Patients now suffer from a non-cancer illness, such as Motor Neuron, COPD, MS etc. They were wholesome in their gratitude for the support they receive from the Foundation.

Laura Coleman, our Family Therapist also gave a very insightful look into how her work changed throughout Covid 19, and how she managed to continue to work with families virtually.

Catriona Doherty, Regulatory Affairs Consultant, gave an update on how the Foundation were in compliance with all Charity Regulator guidelines, and had submitted the Charity Regulator Compliance Form in September 2021.

Over the last few months, three directors had retired from the board, following many years of voluntary service and dedication to the Foundation. Sean Walsh retire in November 2021, John Murphy in December 2021, and Damian Slater in April 2022. A presentation was made to John Murphy and his wife Lily at the Public Meeting. John spoke fondly of his time as director, and thanked everyone for their support, and wished the foundation well for the future. Both Mike Smith(Chairperson) & Martina Jennings(CEO) paid tribute to John, and thanked him for his vison, leadership and commitment over his 16 years on the Board.

On April 14th, a presentation was made to Damian Slater at the final night of the “Heroes for Hospice” very successful production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Damians’ daughter Lavinia Gilmartin produced this show, and three of his grandchildren were onstage, for what was a very emotional night for all involved. Joanne Hynes and Frank Mulvhill represented the Board, and along with Martina Jennings(CEO) they paid tribute to Damian, and his late wife Kay, who have been long supporters of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, and have been involved for over 20 years. Damian thanked his family, the people of Ballina, and the local Hospice support group for always supporting his work for the Foundation.

A presentation will be made to Sean Walsh in the coming weeks. At the AGM, Mike and the board also thanked Sean for his commitment to the board,and wished him well in his retirement.

Damian, John and Sean should be proud of their achievements and how they have shaped our community.