James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

359. To ask the Minister for Health the availability of palliative care for children by LHO in tabular form; the recommended locations for palliative care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41763/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In December 2009 the Department of Health published Palliative Care for Children with Life Limiting Conditions: a National Policy. Containing 31 recommendations under 19 headings, the structures set out in the Policy are designed to meet the palliative care needs of children born with a life-limiting condition and their families across all care settings.

To respond to the increasing demand for palliative care services for children, the HSE, with co-funding from the Irish Hospice Foundation, established a Children’s Palliative Care Programme including three elements: a consultant post in Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin, an education programme, and the appointment of clinical nurse co-ordinators. A network of 11 clinical nurse co-ordinators is in place, with responsibility for ensuring that children being cared for at home by their families have access to co-ordinated and supportive services. A second consultant took up a position at Temple Street Children's Hospital in February 2019. The Children’s Hospital Group has agreed that both posts will be located in the new national children’s hospital when it opens.

I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy on the provision of palliative care for children by LHO as soon as possible.