Transparency is ‘vital’ to achieving community buy-in for new Offaly hospice site

Laois Offaly Deputy Carol Nolan has said she has engaged directly with the office of the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly in an attempt to gain ‘maximum transparency’ around the criteria being used to determine the final site for the proposed new Offaly hospice.

Deputy Nolan was speaking as the conclusion of the selection process took what she described as a “fairly dramatic and unexpected turn” when the proposed site at Arden Lane in Tullamore was subjected to further scrutiny by Minister Donnelly.

“We know from the extensive and in-depth independent scoring assessment that was carried out that the Arden Lane site was considered to be an excellent location, and indeed this was supported by the Tullamore Lions Club and hospice group representatives,” said Deputy Nolan.

“We now have a situation where the Minister is essentially saying that this assessment was fundamentally flawed or incomplete at some level. I want clear and unambiguous clarity on what the problems he has identified are.

“I understand that the Wellwood site, which is also being considered is being seen as equally appropriate but again, how precisely was that decision arrived at. Who was consulted for example?

“Offaly and indeed the entire region desperately needs a hospice facility. We also need to ensure that the process is fully transparent and that the communities who will depend on the hospice can have absolute faith in the fact that the best and most clinically appropriate site was selected for the correct reasons,” said Deputy Nolan.