Hospice workers are appealing to the government not to cut funding to palliative care services in the next budget.

According to the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF), last year's palliative care budget was cut by almost 4%, to €78 million. This happened at a time when demand for these services was increasing.

The foundation noted that over 6,700 deaths in 2010 were aided by specialist palliative care services. These are services which attempt to meet the needs of complex cases both in the home and in hospitals.

This accounted for one in four of all deaths and almost three in four of all cancer deaths in Ireland during that year.
However currently, no hospice service in the country is fully funded by the State.

"The modern hospice movement has not reached a level of maturity that it can absorb any further cuts. Last year's budget cuts took place as the numbers seeking hospice support continue to increase. Local communities are the backbone of their local hospice service, but caring for people at end of life should be a national healthcare priority," insisted IHF CEO, Sharon Foley.

She added that the contribution of older people to society must be recognised and that they should be able to access ‘the care that they need to live and die with dignity and respect'.

"We need to see more training and support for health professionals and carers, as well as opportunities for older people to be involved in decisions around their care."