Galway Hospice will be on a surer financial footing after the Cabinet gave its approval to redesignate it yesterday evening.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced he has received approval for the redesignation of Galway Hospice, Marymount Care Centre, Milford Care Centre, and St. Francis Hospice.
Currently they are all classed as Section 39 voluntary organisations, meaning they receive uncertain funding, and their staff are not public employees.
Galway Hospice and the others will now be designated Section 38 organisations, guaranteeing more certain funding, and that their staff will become public servants.
The redesignation is expected to be completed before the end of 2022.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said that this will provide “financial and staffing sustainability” for palliative care services, so that they can continue their work.
“We are rightly very proud of our palliative care services in Ireland. We have seen the spread and range of services grow significantly over the last 20 years.”
“This has been in strong collaboration with the voluntary sector and the HSE. We must now ensure that the sustainability of these core services is protected into the future.”
Currently, approximately 70% of inpatient and 74% of community adult specialist palliative care services are provided by voluntary hospices.
In 2020, Galway Hospice was awarded €750,000 in once-off funding to keep the lights on during the COVID-19 pandemic, as public health restrictions had made much of the fundraising it heavily relies on, impossible.
Minister Donnelly added that in-patient palliative care services are unique among Section 39 voluntary organisations due to the “consultant led, complex clinical care” they provide.
“These service providers are supporting people with life limiting illnesses to remain at home and in their communities while receiving specialist palliative care.”
“We value the essential adult specialist palliative care services provided by these four organisations and the benefits the care they provide give to people with life limiting illnesses and their families.”
In recent weeks, multiple unions having been demonstrating for increased funding and job security for Section 39 organisations, arguing that they are having increasing difficulty retaining staff, and keeping services going.
