Overnight care was officially provided for the first time last night, Wednesday, October 29, 2014, in Horizon West Children’s Hospice at Killadeas.

Frances Gilmore, Care Team Manager, Horizon West, speaking at a recent update and looking to the future event at Horizon West, was pleased to announce the first official overnight provided by their team. They are also planning a weekend before Christmas, said Frances, who mentioned that they are growing the team with more staff coming into position. “We will start a more regular service after Christmas,” disclosed Frances, one of a number of speakers who addressed last Wednesday’s gathering at the facility.

She focused on the service that is provided at the minute and also the developments that are going to take place. Currently they hold after schools on two afternoons a week; home care, staff go out and provide care in the family home; Saturday care is provided, and they facilitate a range of support services.

Frances extended thanks to Fermanagh Support Group and acknowledged the £1.2 million that has been raised over the 10 years. She highlighted they would not be in the position to provide the care they provide, without that. The Hospice shops are bringing in a lot of revenue in Enniskillen and Lisnaskea, said Frances.

Johnny Graham, Trustee, NI Hospice, said the purpose of last Wednesday was to bring people up to date on what is happening in Northern Ireland Hospice, adults and children’s services. He was appreciative of the wonderful facility, Horizon West, provided by local people and said he was really pleased to be there.

He described the local Support Group chaired by Gladys O’Callaghan as a “tremendous asset” and acknowledged their £1.2m presentation, while he also acknowledged the support of the two shops, Enniskillen and Lisnaskea. He said they could not do what they do without the efforts of local people.

Janet Kilfedder, of Hospice South West Community Team, spoke about the NI Hospice adult services - based at Tullynagarn Business Centre, Lisnarick Road, Irvinestown. A team of five nurses serve Fermanagh and Tyrone, said Janet, who spoke about the supplementary role they perform. Symptom management, pain management and family support are among the services they provide. Between 60 to 70 patients at any one time are supported by them. She acknowledged the generosity and support of everyone in their community. “Thank-you for the work done to date,” she said.

Gladys O’Callaghan, who chairs Fermanagh Support Group, spoke of the collective efforts of their group, which is going 10 years now. Operating on the ground, she said they were totally committed to this and will remain so. She highlighted their upcoming Coffee Morning and Craft Fair for Horizon West Children’s Hospice to be held on Saturday, November 15, at 10am in the Cathedral Hall, Enniskillen; she also mentioned their Open Evening and Christmas Tree Lights Switch On at Horizon West at 7pm on Tuesday evening, December 16. Derek Wilson, who has also been involved with the support group from day one, said the group meets once a month in the Railway Hotel, Enniskillen. At a recent meeting, a parent came along and provided feedback and according to Derek she spoke of how delighted they were with all aspects of the Hospice care received. Within the £1.2 million raised, the Fermanagh Support Group last Wednesday presented a cheque for £120,000, which has been raised over the last year.