They will also raise the question of an MRI unit for Roscommon Hospital.

The project has been spoken of for several years

The Hospice management team has confirmed that they have a letter of guarantee from the HSE over the agreed plans for the developments, which has now been reneged upon.

The service had received promises from former Minister of Health, Simon Harris, that they would have a voice in the planning of new services in the facility.

The midlands region is one of the last areas in the country that is not serviced by a specialist inpatient unit for those requiring hospice care.

A volunteer with North West hospice in Sligo/Leitrim says the work is hugely rewarding and necessary to the success of the community based service.

A senior worker with the North West hospice says nurses who work with the home care service have great admiration for the families who are

It's hoped that the HSE can provide a satisfactory solution to the future of palliative care services in Athlone. Over 1.4 million euro