New patient support group plans finalised

Health chiefs will meet today to discuss the launch of a new volunteer hospital patient support group.

Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds and Siptu national industry secretary Matt Merrigan will be among those meeting with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to finalise plans for the formation of Cairde.

St. James’ in Dublin and Ennis Hospital in Clare have been chosen as the first facilities to be part of the six-month pilot programme.

Mr Reynolds, who represents Ireland’s Children for Children and Adult Care Foundation, said: “We are delighted to take part in this programme and hope it will bring support to hospital staff, visitors and most importantly patients.

“We welcome the unreserved support of Siptu, the [Royal] College of Surgeons and Minister Sean Power.

“Irish people have always been so giving and we encourage people all over the country to donate some of their time to this project.”

Volunteers working with the scheme will have to undergo a full training programme.

They will provide patient support to those who might need help with everyday activities.

Volunteer programmes like Cairde have been successful in the United States and Canada and the group developed a link with some of their counterparts in the US.