Palliative Care Services

Thursday, 17 November 2016

Questions (215, 221)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

215. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with a group (details supplied) in relation to palliative care services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35609/16]

View answer

Brendan Smith

Question:

221. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with a group (details supplied) at an early date as requested some months ago due to the urgency attaching to a project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35647/16]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 221 together.

The provision of an inpatient hospice in Cavan/Monaghan has been included in the HSE Capital Plan for 2020/21 and is the subject of discussion between the HSE and the local Hospice Group. I understand that the HSE National Lead for Palliative Care will meet with the local Hospice Group and visit St. Christopher's facility in the near future.

I will be very happy to meet with the group in question but I think this would be most productive after a further meeting with the HSE has taken place and the issues arising on both sides have been clarified insofar as this is possible. I have accordingly asked my office to arrange a meeting for me with the Group once I have received a full report of the above meeting with the HSE.