Vol. 573 No. 3
503 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons the hospice in Galway has not been in a position to accept patients into its inpatient facility; if his attention has been drawn to the huge problems this causes for so many terminally ill cancer patients; if his attention has further been drawn to the tremendous community involvement in getting this hospice set up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25561/03]
The provision of health services, including hospices services, in the Galway area is a matter for the Western Health Board in the first instance. The Galway Hospice Foundation has for the last number of years provided a valuable service to cancer patients and their families in the west.
I am aware that there are currently difficulties surrounding the operation of the inpatient unit at the Galway Hospice and that no new patients are being admitted at present. However, home care and day care services are continuing to be provided to approximately 100 patients by the foundation with those patients who require consultant led specialist inpatient care being admitted to University College Hospital, Galway.
