Minister announces extra funding at children's hospice

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey today announced an additional £245,000 per year to support the work of the Children’s Hospice.

The funding will help Northern Ireland Hospice to continue providing respite and support services to life-limited children and their families across Northern Ireland.

The Minister also launched a new integrated care pathway and nursing assessment tool which will make a real difference to the management and care of children and young people with complex physical healthcare needs.

Speaking as he hosted a special party for 40 children and young people at Northern Ireland’s Children’s Hospice in Newtownabbey, the Minister said: “I, along with everyone else in Northern Ireland, highly value the Children’s Hospice and I’m pleased to announce this latest financial support which will underpin the excellent work they do in providing much-needed care for children and their families affected by life-limiting illness.”

Turning to the launch of the nursing assessment tool and integrated care pathway, the Minister said, “These documents represent a significant development in the care of children with complex physical healthcare needs. They will allow for a standard and consistent approach across Northern Ireland so that these children can avail of the opportunities and services they deserve.

“Recognising that families and carers themselves require support, the assessment tool will also help identify the needs of families and identify appropriate community support services and respite care.”

The Minister announced in February that the children with complex needs programme will be supported by an investment of £9million over the next three years.

Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Hospice, Professor Judith Hill, CBE, said: “I am delighted that the Minister has released additional funding for the Children’s Hospice. This will help us to continue to provide a high quality service to the children, young people and families using our services which are provided both in hospice and in the child / young persons own home.

“I am also very pleased that the Integrated Care Pathway has been developed. It will give the children and their families, health professionals and service providers a valuable and accessible resource so that the needs of the children can be met in a regional and uniform way.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Children and young people with complex needs are children primarily with physical care needs, such as those who are technologically dependent, have a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, acquired brain injury resulting in significant impairment, and/or children with multiple impairments from birth.
2. The Children’s Hospice, located on O’Neill Road, off the Antrim Road, Belfast currently receives £205,000 from the Department by means of a grant. The additional resources announced by the Minister bring this total up to £450,000. When added to the funding from the Health and Social Care Board and Trusts, the Children’s Hospice will receive approximately 25% of its running costs from statutory sources.
3. Work to develop better services for children and young people with complex physical healthcare needs started in 2006 and involved consultation with health professionals, service providers and of course the children, young people and families accessing these services. The final product is evidence-based and represents best practice in this particular field of care.
4. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520575, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned. Or for Northern Ireland Hospice please contact Claire Trainor on 07814 038365 or 90 781836.