North West Hospice, Sligo opens new 12 bedded unit

HSE West and North West is delighted to confirm that a new 12 bedded inpatient development at North West Hospice Sligo is now complete and the unit has opened today, Monday 2nd November 2026.

This project commenced in March 2024 with the focus of the design and construction very much patient centred. The concept ensured that the new building and physical environment meets the hospice’s values of compassion, accountability, excellence and respect for all its patients, families, staff and volunteers.

This build also reflects the Hospice’s vision to be at the centre of palliative care services in the North West, working to ensure that everyone who needs palliative care can access the services when needed.

The new development provides additional inpatient unit bed capacity (increasing from 7 beds to 12) and upgrading our multidisciplinary team spaces to support our clinical team to continue to provide their expert care. Initially 8 beds will be opened transitioning up to 12.

The second phase of the development will commence over coming months. This phase will repurpose the current inpatient unit to support our multi disciplinary team further and providing day service facility to review patients in an outpatient capacity. This phase is expected to be completed in Q2 2027.

North West Hospice would like to acknowledge the unwavering support of North West Hospice Charity and all our supporters across the region for their contribution which is very evident in the patient comfort additions in the new build.

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, said “The opening of the new 12-bed North West Hospice is a significant step forward in the delivery of specialist palliative care services in the region. Increasing the availability of single-occupancy beds within hospices is essential for patient dignity, privacy and confidentiality. The new development provides opportunities for family participation and overnight stays by loved ones. It also provides a more supportive environment for high-quality end-of-life care.

“Investment in specialist palliative care infrastructure is creating more appropriate, modern and patient-centred environments for people approaching the end of life. This development is another significant step towards our goal of achieving full national coverage of hospice and community services. I would like to acknowledge the important role of hospices in the provision of palliative and end-of-life care within our communities.”

Nuala Ginnelly, Operational Lead North West Hospice said “People across Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal and West Cavan have fundraised over the last nearly 40 years to support the work of the hospice. Their generosity is now very evident in this state-of-the-art building which we hope they will be very proud of as we all are.”

Emma Ball, HSE General Manager Sligo South Donegal Community Healthcare Area said “We are delighted to open 12 new beds at the hospice. “Our palliative care services go beyond medical treatment, addressing each person’s unique needs, as well as those of their loved ones, across spiritual, physical, social, and emotional dimensions. We firmly believe that everyone deserves comfort, dignity, and comprehensive support throughout their journey.

“The service would like to acknowledge the support from its staff and volunteers who have worked throughout providing a full service the construction. And to patients and families, thank you for supporting us throughout the new build construction – It remains the greatest privilege to care for each one of you.”