Irish Hospice Foundation has welcomed the launch of the National Adult Palliative Care Policy, which was announced by Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, earlier today.
The policy has been launched during Palliative Care Week, and Irish Hospice foundation was part of the Steering Group involved in developing the policy.
Speaking today, CEO of Irish Hospice Foundation, Paula O’Reilly, said:
Today’s publication of the National Adult Palliative Care Policy is an important step forward in further developing adult palliative care to ensure equity of access for all those who need it. I particularly welcome that this policy places support for the patient, family and carers to the forefront with an emphasis on enabling people to die at home where appropriate within the compassion of communities. The measures outlined are broad-reaching and include the enhancement of equity through protection against financial hardship, increases in capacity across the palliative care workforce and focuses on engaging people in advance care planning.
Ms. O’Reilly, added:
IHF welcomes the announcement of the initial investment of €2 million this year to begin implementation of this policy and the commitment to focus on an integrated approach across primary, acute and social care settings and the projected increase in Ireland’s older population as future annual budget estimates are prepared. Additionally, we welcome that the policy supports the provision of a universal palliative care program across the island of Ireland. Irish Hospice Foundation has advocated for many years for the development of this policy and will continue to support and press for the appropriate recurring investments and resources that the delivery of this program will require.
ENDS
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