St Christopher's Hospice estimated to cost €14.9M

The construction of the extension and internal refurbishment of St Christopher’s Hospice in Cavan are “ongoing”, according to a spokesperson from the HSE.

Tánaiste Simon Harris turned the sod on the project accompanied by Deputy Niamh Smyth last May, with a figure of €13.5M given at the time to deliver the project, which is “anticipated” to be complete in the first quarter 2027.

But that figure has now jumped by €1.4M, according to the HSE spokesperson, who told the Celt delivery of the project is “currently estimated” at €14.9M.

Asked for an explanation for the cost overrun, the spokesperson stated: “This estimated cost includes fees, equipping and all contingencies.”

The total project funding is comprised of a €1M contribution from the Department of Health for the design and development of Cavan Hospice, a €2M contribution from St Christopher’s Hospice Board and €11.94M from HSE Capital Funding.

“The day-to-day operation and management of the service will be managed by the HSE, with a single governance model in place,” the spokesperson confirmed.

“This Specialist Palliative Care Unit will encompass a 16 bedded (single occupancy en-suite) inpatient unit that will cater for patients requiring specialist palliative and end of life care for the population of Cavan Monaghan,” the spokesperson stated.

It will also include a Palliative Care Hub, consisting of an outpatient facility including a rapid access diagnostic and management capacity, a specialist day hospital and a Specialist Treatment Unit with capacity for infusions, transfusions, and a lymphedema service. It will also contain a physical therapies unit with capacity for prehabilitation and rehabilitation and a Creative Therapies Unit including art, music, creative and complimentary therapies.

Meanwhile, speaking on the ongoing fundraising efforts, Chairperson of the St Christopher’s Hospice Board Jim Lalor said they are now raising money for a Home Comfort Fund. “We are finished funding the building, that’s done. From here on, fundraising will be for home comforts. It’s for looking after needs of people when they’re home,” he explained.

“For example if equipment is needed,” he added.

“Anything that the patient needs that they can’t get themselves, we will do it,” said Mr Lawlor.

“We will not be funding the day to day running,” he confirmed, however for those in the hospice anything that is needed “beyond” what the hospital would cover, they will look after it. He said the charity would also be looking after the “grounds” of the hospice.