The South Westmeath Hospice Group is welcoming the decision.
The HSE is withdrawing its plans to close the Hospice facility at St Vincent’s Hospital in Athlone.
Members of the South Westmeath Hospice group meet with the HSE last week over the future of the service.
The group is suspending a public rally which was due to take place next month.
In a statement the HSE says its committed to building a working relationship with the Committee.
Secretary Joe Whelan says it is a first step in achieving their aims:
The Full Statement from the HSE reads:
"The HSE has taken time to consider the outcome of the meeting with the South Westmeath Hospice on August 28th. On reflection, the HSE has decided to withdraw the proposal to close the 4 bed hospice unit at St Vincent’s Hospital, Athlone.
The HSE is committed to building a working relationship with the South Westmeath Hospice Committee and the stakeholders involved in operating the South Westmeath Hospice and to that end the HSE will begin a consultative process immediately to address issues surrounding the patient admissions policy to the hospice facility and reconsider the plans for the new site at Clonbrusk, Athlone.
The HSE would like to acknowledge the work of the South Westmeath Hospice committee in the years since its inception in developing and helping to maintain the service for the people of South Westmeath. The HSE looks forward to engaging in full consultation with the South Westmeath Hospice Committee on current and future plans."
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