First Minister visits Children's Hospice

Philip McGuigan MLA, John Finucane MP, Ian Sheppard, First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA, Chief Executive Trevor McCartney, Chief Finance Officer Brian Henderson and Gemma Aspinall, Chief Care Officer.

Northern Ireland Hospice was delighted to welcome First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA, John Finucane MP, and Chair of the Assembly’s Health Committee, Philip McGuigan MLA during their visit to Children’s Hospice today [Tuesday 30th June].

Sarah Xuereb, Acting Deputy Head of Children’s Hospice Services, conducted the visitors on a guided tour around our children’s unit and gardens – spaces designed to provide comfort, care and dignity for the children and families we support every day.

NI Hospice Chair Ian Sheppard, Chief Care Officer Gemma Aspinall, and members of NI Hospice’s care team also accompanied the dignitaries during the visit, during which the First Minister also met one of the ‘Little Stars’ of Horizon House – inpatient James, and his family.

The guests were also given a presentation by NI Hospice’s Chief Executive Trevor McCartney and Chief Finance Officer Brian Henderson.

Those attending also had a really valuable discussion about the challenges facing hospice services in both our adults’ and children’s units, and the vital role that the NI Hospice plays in supporting families, all the while helping to alleviate pressure on the wider health system.

NI Hospice’s leadership team was encouraged by the First Minister’s genuine interest, her strong understanding of the issues, and her clear willingness to support our work. These conversations are crucial as we continue to advocate for sustainable funding, recognition of the essential services hospices provide, and for the implementation of the recommendations of the Health Committee’s Inquiry into Palliative Care Services.

We thank the First Minister for taking the time to visit Horizon House and for engaging so positively with our team.