Dr. Ita Harnett, Palliative Care Consultant, provided insight. She is also an Honorary Board Member and spoke about Palliative Care over the last two years. She explained how The Mayo Hospice has made a positive difference which has impacted patients and their families. The Foundation ensured Palliative Teams had PPE. This occurred at the beginning of Covid-19. PPE was in very short supply. Supplying this meant nurses and doctors continued providing service. They served patients in their own homes.
It was great to have Dr. Jennifer Brannock. A Palliative Care Consultant at Mayo Hospice, she gave an interesting talk on the Mayo Hospice. She discussed the difference it made. This affected patients and families using the service. The hospice provides dignity, respect, compassion, and comfort. This is at the most difficult time in a family’s life. Both Dr. Brannock and Dr. Harnett were fulsome in their thanks. They praised Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation and thanked them for the Mayo Hospice. They also thanked them for their ongoing support.
Elaine McCarron, Homecare Team Manager (Mayo), gave updates. Ursula Donoghue, Acting Homecare Team Manager (Roscommon), also gave updates. Both ladies provided a very interesting update. They discussed the challenges faced by the teams. This occurred over the last two years. The service was extremely busy. Referral of new patients continues to increase. 47% of patients now suffer from non-cancer illnesses. Examples include Motor Neuron, COPD, and MS. They were wholesome in their gratitude. They thanked the Foundation for the support they receive.
Laura Coleman, our Family Therapist, gave an insightful look. She explained how her work changed during Covid-19. She described how she continued to work with families virtually.
Catriona Doherty, Regulatory Affairs Consultant, provided an update. She explained how the Foundation complied with guidelines. These are Charity Regulator guidelines. The Charity Regulator Compliance Form was submitted in September 2021.
Over the last few months, three directors retired from the board. This followed many years of voluntary service. They showed dedication to the Foundation. Sean Walsh retired in November 2021. John Murphy retired in December 2021. Damian Slater retired in April 2022.
A presentation was made to John Murphy. It was also made to his wife Lily. This took place at the Public Meeting. John spoke fondly of his time as director. He thanked everyone for their support. He wished the foundation well for the future. Mike Smith (Chairperson) & Martina Jennings (CEO) paid tribute to John. They thanked him for his vision, leadership, and commitment. This spanned his 16 years on the Board.
On April 14th, a presentation was made to Damian Slater. This occurred at the final night of “Heroes for Hospice.” It was a successful production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Damian’s daughter, Lavinia Gilmartin, produced this show. Three of his grandchildren were onstage. It was a very emotional night for all involved. Joanne Hynes and Frank Mulvhill represented the Board. Along with Martina Jennings (CEO), they paid tribute to Damian. They also honored his late wife, Kay. Both have been long supporters. They have been involved for over 20 years. Damian thanked his family. He thanked the people of Ballina and the local Hospice support group and acknowledged their ongoing support.
A presentation will be made to Sean Walsh. This will happen in the coming weeks. At the AGM, Mike and the board thanked Sean. They thanked him for his commitment. They wished him well in his retirement.
Damian, John, and Sean should be proud. They should be proud of their achievements. They should be proud of how they have shaped our community.
