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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 Apr 1997

Vol. 478 No. 4

Written Answers. - Hospice Services.

Declan Bree

Question:

52 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for Health the regional health boards that have provided new funding for hospice services in 1996 and 1997 and for 1998; the amounts of new funding provided in each instance; the specific funding, if any, provided to individual hospices for bereavement counselling and social worker posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11183/97]

Limerick East): The amount of new funding provided by the eight health boards for hospice services in 1996 and 1997 is as follows:

Health Board

New Funding 1996

New Funding 1997

£

£

Eastern Health Board

650,000

700,000*

Midland Health Board

Mid-Western Health Board

93,100

52,000

North-Eastern Health Board

North-Western Health Board

450,000*

South-Eastern Health Board

21,000

21,000

Southern Health Board

300,000

200,000

Western Health Board

100,000*

500,000*

Total

1,164,100

1,923,000

As the Deputy will be aware, the national cancer strategy provides for a phased programme of development of hospice services, including the expansion of services and the appointment of additional consultants in palliative care together with support staff. The expenditure marked with an asterisk represents the first phase of the implementation of this programme and it is intended that further phases will be implemented as detailed arrangements are worked out with the health boards. The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that it is not possible to give a definitive response at this stage in relation to overall allocations for 1998 which have yet to be finalised.
The funding provided by health boards to individual hospices relates to their overall service including counselling-social work. I am aware that the North-Western Health Board has identified the need for a counselling service for families who are bereaved and for staff who have to deal with such stressful situations. The board has established a small team, which includes representation from the voluntary hospice groups in the board's area, to finalise arrangements on the most effective way of providing this service. The board hopes to have such a service operational towards the end of this year.
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