Pictures: Domnick Walsh
A new report to plan for the next phase of development for specialist palliative care services in Kerry has revealed plans for the development of an additional five inpatient beds at the Tralee unit and the planning of a comprehensive clinical service base in Killarney.
The HSE has launched an evaluation report which highlights the importance of strong local leadership, consistent community support and adherence to national best practice, as factors in the service’s success.
The report, prepared by the International Foundation for Integrated Care and commissioned by the HSE/Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, identified many strengths in the current model, including:
- A strong sense of local ownership
- Alignment with national policy
- Service delivery and design following best practice in integrated palliative care
- Clear and consistent leadership with clear goal
A consistent theme is the value of connected local leadership that adheres to a national clinical blueprint, with support from the HSE.
Chief Officer of Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, Tess O’Donovan, said the report highlights the importance of strong community support for the service, with an innovative approach to funding and partnership with the Kerry Hospice Foundation leading to a locally-owned service that is still integrated into the national health system.
Clinical Lead, Dr Patricia Sheahan, said the report will be used to plan for the next phase of development for Kerry specialist palliative care service.
“The report clearly identifies the importance of a connected local leadership, harnessing local support but also adhering to a national clinical blueprint. As a service, we will continue to build on these important pillars as we work with the community to plan future developments,” she said.
Dr Sheahan added: “Working in collaboration with Kerry Hospice Foundation, a series of engagement meetings will take place in communities across Kerry to discuss the next steps in the development of the service.”
Head of Primary Care in Cork and Kerry Priscilla Lynch said: “I am pleased to note that the report found that this Kerry service serves as an example for the development of services nationally. The HSE will continue to work in partnership with Kerry Hospice Foundation, delivering the best possible service for the people of Kerry.”
She added: “The report clearly highlights the strong local support for the service and it makes it clear that there are even further opportunities to involve service users and the wider community in planning, commissioning, delivery and evaluation.”
Kerry Hospice Foundation volunteer, Michael Fitzgerald, said the report is significant in underlying the progress that has been made in Kerry through the HSE developing specialist palliative care services, in collaboration with Kerry Hospice Foundation and the public who have been of such support to the service over the decades.
“I look forward to this collaboration continuing, to the development of an additional five palliative care inpatient beds shortly and planning a comprehensive clinical service base in Killarney,” Mr Fitzgerald remarked.
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