COVID Financial Aid for Northern Ireland Hospice
Heather Weir, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Hospice and Children’s Hospice said:
Heather Weir, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Hospice and Children’s Hospice said:
“We appreciate Minister Swan’s announcement today as it will provide much needed financial support for the charity in respect of the additional costs we have experienced due to the pandemic. We continue discussions with the Department of Health regarding the equitable funding of Hospice palliative care, especially with increased demand we have responded to. Since March 2020 our specialist hospice nurses, medical consultants and social workers have assessed and cared for an additional 665 patients’ in the local community. We believe this announcement is a positive sign that that Department are also considering a fair funding model of 50:50 for our vital care services.”
“This announcement today helps us cover the financial pressures we continue to experience due to COVID-19. However, this financial aid does not cover any future expenditure, and does not cover the losses that we will sustain through the closure of our shops and reduction in fundraising. We continue to rely on both government support and the amazing generosity of our local community. Over the last 10 months we have been humbled by the kindness of our supporters.”
“Our staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly during this crisis and continue to provide excellent care for local people and families across Northern Ireland. It has been a very challenging and distressing time, both in terms of delivering end of life care under the current circumstances, and supporting babies, children and adults and their families, at what is a heart-breaking time for them. Hospice staff and volunteers remain at the frontline of care, and I’d like to thank them for their dedication and service to our community.”
“Northern Ireland Hospice remains deeply committed to providing specialist palliative care throughout this crisis and beyond. We have provided care here for over 40 years and we will continue to be here for babies, children and adults across Northern Ireland when they need us most.”
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