Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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161. To ask the Minister for Health his views on plans for a second palliative care bed at the St Joseph’s Care campus in Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52450/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Health, in line with The National Palliative Care Policy (2001), is committed to furthering the development of palliative care across the country, ensuring a seamless pathway for patients who need palliative care across inpatient, homecare, nursing home and day care services.

St Joseph’s Care Centre, Longford provides 24-hour nursing care for up to 68 residents. There are planned refurbishment works underway in St. Joseph’s Care Centre in Longford to support the continued delivery of safe, high-quality services for residents. As part of service expansion in this location, the CHO has submitted a request for funding to develop a second palliative care support bed in St. Joseph’s Care Centre. While the HSE have planned to provide a second palliative care support bed at St. Joseph's in Longford, as Minister for Health I have not yet provided commitment for this additional palliative care support bed.

The Government will continue to work with local organisations alongside the HSE to ensure that people with life-limiting conditions across the country receive the level of palliative care they require.