Vol. 439 No. 6
136 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Health if he will respond positively to the request for support made to him on behalf of the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice Foundation; if his attention has been drawn to the unique home care service offered to patients by this hospice group; his views on whether this is a costly service that the Foundation cannot be expected to fund on its own; and the proposals, if any, he has to help them.
I am acutely aware of the very valuable contribution made by voluntary groups under the aegis of the hospice movement, in the provision of hospice and home care for the terminally ill. In many instances, multidiciplinary care is provided for such patients in co-operation with local hospital and community care services. Partnership and co-operation between the statutory agencies and voluntary bodies working in this area is essential in order to ensure that services for the terminally ill can be provided in a planned, co-ordinated and cost effective manner.
I understand that the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice Foundation has had close interaction with the Western Health Board since its foundation in 1992. In relation to the question of funding for hospice projects, the position is that national lottery grants have been provided by my Department for hospice projects. A standard application form for national lottery funds has recently issued to the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice Foundation for completion.
In relation to ongoing funding and development costs, I suggest that the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice Foundation discuss these questions with the authorities in the Western Health Board, which is the statutory body responsible for the provision of health services in the area.
