Irish Hospice Foundation welcomes the publication of the HSE audit findings. We value the process as a means of improving our ways of working and have previously confirmed to the HSE that all recommendations have been implemented. We are committed to always working within the guidelines of funders. We are fully compliant with the Charities Governance Code and wholly committed to the highest standards of governance. Our financial and internal control systems comply with all statutory obligations, codes and standards.
The relevant HSE audit covered the period of unprecedented changes forced by the Covid-19 pandemic and associated national lockdowns. While some of the issues identified were because of the changes in working environments and processes necessitated by the pandemic, we remain committed to ensuring improvements and standards are upheld. Our focus in 2020, like many other organisations, was to continue working in the provision of dedicated support services for the public we serve. During 2020 we launched our Bereavement Support Line for all those grieving and continued our ongoing work with nursing for nightcare, carers and health care professionals. At that time, the HSE provided approximately 15% of our funding, including the newly launched Bereavement Support Line.
We hold our staff in the highest regard – it is through these staff that we deliver our services, advocacy and expertise on end-of-life and bereavement care. We will continue to invest in our staff through increased development and training in coming years.
We are grateful and honoured to serve the public who continue to support and provide much of our funding, to provide the best end-of-life and bereavement care wherever the place.
