Calls for more hospice care for cancer patients

SERIOUSLY-ILL cancer patients are dying on crowded wards across the south-east because of a lack of hospice care, cancer campaigners have warned.

The lack of palliative care in the region is also a source of major trauma for grieving families, the Cancer Care Alliance said.

It wants the recommendations made in an unpublished report on palliative care in the region implemented without delay.

The five-year Sub-Regional Development Strategy report, compiled by a sub-committee of palliative care providers in the region makes short, medium and long-term suggestions on how seriously ill patients should be treated.

There are just nine palliative care beds in the entire south-east region but the report recommends there should be at least 40.

In the short-term, the report recommends that six designated beds for dying patients be provided immediately at Waterford Regional Hospital, the major hospital in the region.

A nationwide report on such care is due to be launched today.