Limerick East): I am aware of the very important contribution of the hospice movement in the provision of in-patient and home care for the terminally ill. The health strategy document, Shaping a Healthier Future, acknowledges the important role palliative care services play in improving the quality of life of terminally ill patients and it is my intention to promote the continued development of such services, making use, where possible, of existing health facilities.
A policy statement on cancer services is currently in preparation in my Department and it will include a review of the role played by the hospice-palliative care services throughout the country in respect of cancer patients and set out recommendations for its future development. When I have the proposals of the review group to hand, I will be in a position to decide on priority areas for development within the palliative care sector as a whole.
In addition to the information provided below, the following table sets out grant aided funding from the Department of Health and the health boards for hospice services in the years 1990 to 1995.
Direct Funding from Health Boards.
The following hospice services are partly funded by the health boards concerned:
Eastern Health Board
Drogheda Memorial Hospital/ Welfare Home (4-bedded unit).
Wicklow Home Care Service.
Southern Health Board
Marymount Hospice.
North Eastern Health Board.
Meath Community Care Area— Three palliative care nurses.