LauraLynn, Ireland’s only Children’s Hospice, welcomes total cross-party support for the inclusion of a new policy on children’s palliative care in the next Programme for Government. This is the first time all political parties have agreed to develop, fund, and implement such a policy, which will be included in the next Programme for Government.
The current policy, based on a 2005 needs assessment, is outdated. The new commitment will address changes in demographics, current levels of need, and medical and healthcare advancements. This will futureproof Ireland’s position at the forefront of children’s palliative care.
Estimates suggest that there are close to 2,000 children with palliative care needs in Ireland, of whom more than 740 children are, at any given time, classified as 'unstable, deteriorating or at end-of-life’.
There are nearly 2,000 children in Ireland with palliative care needs, with over 740 children at any given time classified as 'unstable, deteriorating, or at end-of-life'. This commitment will ensure that all children with palliative care needs and their families, receive the care and support they need at every stage of their journey, from diagnosis to end of life and into bereavement.
LauraLynn CEO, Kerry McLaverty said: “It is so heartening to see such unified support for children’s palliative care in the run up to the general election. At LauraLynn we aim to enhance the quality of life of each child and their family, supporting them to live well and to have a good death, and enabling them to make the most of every moment, when life is short. The issues facing children with palliative care needs and their families transcends politics. We are grateful that all parties today see this as an essential priority in the next programme for government.”
This achievement is the result of a grassroots campaign by LauraLynn, encouraging public support and urging all parties to commit to a new national policy on Palliative Care for Children.
We are proud of this milestone and look forward to ensuring every child with palliative care needs in Ireland receives the best possible care and support.
