| Maria O'Hare |
 Maria O’Hare graduated from university with a degree in biochemistry and chemistry. Afterwards Maria worked for a number of
years in the pharmaceutical industry until the first of her children was born. She remained at home to bring up her children
but in 1994 when the youngest started primary school she had more free time and decided that she would like to put it to some
use. She first heard about the work of Newry Hospice (now Southern Area Hospice Services) whilst at mass one day; it was announced
during the bulletin that that they were looking for volunteers. Maria was particularly interested to hear that they were trying
to start a library and felt that her medical background might be of some use. She worked in the library until it was moved
to another location within the Hospice and she was no longer required to be immediately on hand. She was then asked if she
would like to work one morning a week as a ward clerk. Eventually someone was employed to work full-time as a ward clerk and
Maria was asked if she’d like to visit patients and to help out with new admissions. She combines her work with patients with
helping out with the children’s bereavement service. Maria talks about her various different roles as a volunteer; the organisation
of the volunteers and the main problems and challenges she has encountered. She also discusses the principle changes that
have occurred; the reaction of the local community to the Hospice; the impact of the religious and political situation in
Northern Ireland; their relationship with the other hospices in the Province; and what she feels the future holds for Southern
Area Hospice Services. She and Mary Rose Quinn also talk about the role of the Sisters of St John of God; the history of the
John of God Hospital and the provision of care within the Hospice.
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| Interview conducted by Clare Humphreys, 15 August 2000 |
| Interview Duration: 54 minutes |
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