The Chief Medical Officer has visited the Northern Ireland Hospice in-patient facility at Somerton House in Belfast.
During his visit Dr Michael McBride met staff and patients to see at first hand the care offered to people with a terminal illness.
Dr McBride praised the standard of care provided at Somerton House. He said: “When patients are suffering from a serious illness it is important that they receive the best care available.
“Somerton House treats patients as individuals and with dignity and respect. The staff adopt a holistic approach to delivering care by not only focusing on pain relief but also providing emotional and spiritual support.
“The staff at Somerton House provide a highly valued service. Through their work they sustain the best possible quality of life for people with a terminal illness. They also provide an invaluable support to the patients’ family at such a difficult time.”
Notes to Editors:
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