South Westmeath hospice and pain care
Deputy Clarke sought urgent action on the treatment of the South Westmeath Hospice Committee and the loss of promised hospice services, and Deputy Cronin raised children with chronic pain lacking specialist care. The Taoiseach said the Government supported hospices, would engage with the HSE on the hospice case, and would also seek to improve chronic pain services for children.
The programme for Government commits to developing end-of-life services. Can the Taoiseach then explain the shameful treatment of the South Westmeath Hospice Committee? It is a voluntary committee that has been treated with utter disdain by the HSE and that is now resorting to legal advice. A written undertaking was given to this committee by the HSE that, should St. Vincent's Care Centre, the site of the current hospice, be sold, the services and facilities would be transferred and mirrored in a new premises. Four beds at the end of a ward will not now or ever mirror the current service, which is four bedrooms, a family space, a sitting room and a private entrance.
Comment on this
As leader of the Government, will the Taoiseach please act in this regard? It is the most urgent of issues.
Comment on this
I am dealing with several constituents in north Kildare whose children are living with chronic pain. There are hundreds across the State left without a full-time pain management consultant or the chance of a necessary first appointment. I cannot imagine what it is like to have a child suffering constant chronic pain. These parents would take this pain in a heartbeat. These parents and I have so far only received holding letters back from the State referring to care that is being provided. The parents are categoric that it is not being offered. Will the Taoiseach make it his business to ensure these children receive the full-time pain management consultant appointments they need? Parents are worried about their mental health with the level of pain.
Comment on this
Government has been supportive of the hospice movement, particularly in recent months, and has provided substantial funding to underpin the hospices, given the huge challenges they have faced in terms of various fundraising projects being undermined by Covid-19. I am not aware of the specifics of this case but we will engage with the HSE. I have no doubt we will do everything we can to enhance the service, notwithstanding the challenges it is going through.
In respect of children with chronic pain, I will engage with the Minister and the HSE to make sure children in difficult and traumatic situations such as this are provided with the supports they require.