Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

212. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department has set aside a budget to set up a perinatal hospice in Dublin; his policy proposals in this area; if this issue is on his priority list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49751/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Palliative Care For Children with Life-Limiting Conditions in Ireland - A National Policy, published by my Department in March 2010, aims to address the deficits identified in a national needs assessment undertaken in 2005. The document contains 31 recommendations currently being implemented under the aegis of the National Development Committee (a multi-stakeholder representative group), chaired by the HSE.

The national policy provides the framework for the development of services for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The policy does not recommend the development of a perinatal hospice but rather places significant emphasis on caring for children in their own homes. Thus, I have no plans to develop such a hospice.

A programme of care for children with life-limiting conditions is being jointly funded by the HSE and the Irish Hospice Foundation. The programme includes the appointment in 2011 of the first Paediatric Consultant with a Special Interest in Palliative Care, based in Crumlin. As well as supporting other paediatricians, the Consultant also provides clinical support and advice to maternity hospitals and neonatologists.

The Deputy may be interested to note that the Perinatal Statistics Report published yesterday by the ESRI shows that the perinatal mortality rate has fallen from 8.6 per 1,000 live births and stillbirths in 2003, to 5.9 per 1,000 in 2012. This represents a 31.4% decrease over the decade and a 3.3% decrease since 2011. The Report defined perinatal death as stillbirth and early neonatal deaths up to 7 days.