The concept of a Hospice for the North West of Ireland was triggered off by local GP Dr Tom McGinley visiting an 18 year old man dying of terminal cancer. Dr Tom felt, not only his own inadequacy, but also that of the Health Service in general at being unable to provide the necessary care for this young man. This failure became a personal challenge which subsequently became the vision of a Hospice for the area. A small steering committee was set up in early 1984 and intense fundraising started in earnest.
The principles of running a Hospice have been developed over many years:
Phase One: Homecare team set up in 1985 with the appointment of 2 specialist palliative homecare nurses
Phase Two: Opening of 12 bedded In-Patient unit on 21st June 1991.
Phase Three: Opening of Day Care Centre in 2001.
Someone once said: ‘Foyle Hospice is situated on a site which is therapeutically, geographically and culturally perfect’
A book has been written about the history of the Hospice and is available by contacting us on 02871359888 or e-mailing us at fundraising@foylehospice.com
