OUR Lady’s Hospice & Care Services in Harold’s Cross celebrated its 140th anniversary of providing care in the community on Monday, December 9.
Broadcaster Ryan Tubridy joined staff, volunteers, supporters, residents and patients to unveil an exhibition outlining the work of the Hospice from its establishment until the present day.
The Hospice was established by the Religious Sisters of Charity in 1879 in response to an overwhelming need for dignity and care for the dying poor.
Since then, and through two World Wars, the Dublin Lockout, the Easter Rising, the War of Independence, the Irish Civil War, and the evolution of modern medical practice, the Hospice has provided uninterrupted care to many thousands of Dubliners and their families.
Audrey Houlihan, Chief Executive Officer explained: “For 140 years, since 1879, the Hospice has held a special place in the heart of Dubliners.
“Our research unearthed rich stories of our heritage including the purchase of land for cattle to meet the Hospice’s need to provide daily milk; the visit of Britain’s Queen Consort Alexandra in 1903; and bullets of the Easter Rising flying through the grounds.”
There were windows shattered from a bomb that landed in Terenure in 1941 and a major community funfair that took place in the 1940s to raise funds.
“To this day, we are still supported by our local community and raise €5.5 million annually to provide to care for people across our catchment area, which has a population of over one million.
“We are mid-way through a plan to improve and expand our services,” Ms Houlihan. “Next year, we will refurbish Blackrock Hospice and welcome Wicklow Hospice to the family.
“We also hope to increase our community-based services so we can meet the complex care needs of our ageing population.”
Last year, its 600 staff, 330 volunteers cared for more than 4,200 people.
Staff made over 11,850 specialist palliative care visits to provide care for people in their homes across south Dublin and north Wicklow.
To find out more about Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services, visit www.olh.ie, Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter.