Patricia Ryan
Ceist:992. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the cost of establishing an inpatient palliative care hospice for the midlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27334/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 29 September 2020
Ceisteanna (992)
Freagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government commits to the development of a specialist palliative care inpatient unit or hospice in the Midlands. Following extensive public consultation, and in partnership with CHO 8 and the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group, a site has been identified in the grounds of the Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore and initial drawings for the unit have been drafted. My Department is continuing to engage with the HSE and local hospice groups to work towards this objective.
As has been the case with other hospices around the country, capital funding for the construction or refurbishment of hospice buildings has traditionally been provided by local hospice groups, with operational funding provided by the HSE. Based on similarly sized hospices that have recently been built, the capital cost of a new 15-bed hospice would be in the region of €9 million., while the annual revenue cost of the service would be about €3.8 million.
The Midlands is fortunate to have a well-developed palliative care service in the community and, whereas the ultimate aim is to care for people appropriately at home for as long as possible, the provision of specialist palliative care inpatient beds will facilitate hospital avoidance and support families in end of life care for their loved ones. It is envisaged that the new inpatient unit, when established, will act as the hub for specialist palliative care services in the Midlands and will be able to provide additional support for residential /community services, including the region’s network of palliative care support beds.