Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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1291. To ask the Minister for Health if he will address the absence of paediatric palliative care in the south east; his plans to provide this service in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22005/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Palliative Care for Children with Life-limiting Conditions in Ireland – a National Policy (2009) sets out a clear direction for the development of an integrated palliative care service for children and their families, across all care settings. Under this policy, the HSE has established a Children’s Palliative Care Programme which includes 11 clinical nurse coordinators for children with life-limiting conditions, two consultant paediatricians with a special interest in children’s palliative medicine based in Crumlin and Temple Street, and an education programme also based in Crumlin. The aim of the Clinical Nurse Coordinator (CNC) service is to co-ordinate seamless continuity of care between the acute paediatric unit, community services and the child’s home. The paediatricians provide support to parents and neonates in maternity hospitals and paediatric units.

In relation to the provision of paediatric palliative care in the south-east specifically, as this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.