Local Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, has implored the HSE and South Westmeath Hospice committee to immediately engage in “meaningful and progressive” discussion to resolve outstanding issues pertaining to the relocation of palliative care beds from the existing St Vincent’s Care Centre to the new Community Nursing Unit at Clonbrusk.
“The HSE and South Westmeath Hospice Committee must engage with the immediate intention to resolve outstanding matters and avoid a legal battle which is of little interest to both parties.
“One of the very widely acknowledged successes of palliative care in this country has been the genuine partnership approach adopted across statutory and voluntary organisations, who work together to achieve the best service for patients who utilise the service.
“Without this co-operation it is very much doubtful that so much would have been achieved over the years, and it is this continued approach that will help ensure that every individual, regardless of diagnosis or location, will have access to the type of service that they need.
“Regretfully, this partnership is not in place for residents locally. Almost two years since the local HSE tried to close the current unit there is still no agreement as to a way forward. The efforts by the voluntary committee have meant hours of meetings, briefings, and research. I commend them for their work. We have had meeting after meeting, but a path forward has not been agreed on and this time has been largely wasted due to inaction and disagreement.
“The fundamental error, I believe, was the failure of the local HSE to consult with the local Hospice group prior to any plans being made. The engagement with the South Westmeath Hospice group came too late to influence changes that would be acceptable to the group.
“Despite conceding a lot, it appeared an agreement was in sight last October. The committee and the public representatives left the meeting understanding we finally had secured consensus, but unfortunately the HSE rowed back on this.
“I now call on the HSE to engage in a meaningful and respectful way with South Westmeath Hospice. It is not in any party’s interest to enter a legal battle.
“The palliative care approach positions the person and their family at the centre of decision-making. Within current HSE structures Palliative Care is located in the Primary Care Division, and requires operational working arrangements across Divisions, Community Health Organisations (CHO ) and Hospital Groups.
“The benefits of palliative care support beds, particularly in terms of the experience of patients and families, has a proven record of excellence in the South Westmeath Hospice. It is not acceptable to have this service depleted.
“Ultimately, it will be the patients who suffer as a result of these delays and changes, and this situation is intolerable, especially when you think of the situations and families who find themselves needing these services at the end of their days,” Deputy Burke stated.
Concurring, Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, in his capacity as Deputy Chairperson of the Dublin Mid Leinster HSE Forum, noted that further discussions were now urgent in nature.
“I fully understand the frustration and annoyance of the voluntary South Westmeath Hospice committee as they strive to arrive at a solution to outstanding issues, but I have a concern with regard to a potential outcome and the costs involved should a legal process be formally initiated.
“Following the recent issuing of a letter by the HSE to the South Westmeath Hospice committee, I do believe that both parties should now meet to discuss the relevant intricacies further.
“It is vitally important that this service is retained to the highest standard in Athlone and I wholly commend the South Westmeath Hospice committee for all the work they continue to do to,” Cllr Keena concluded.
