Shortage of Paediatric Nurses forces suspension of services at 'Horizon West' Children's Hospice

by Gráinne Connolly

Despite relentless efforts in recentmonths, Northern Ireland Hospice has confirmed that the charity has been forced to formally suspend children’s hospice care services at its ‘Horizon West’ Children’s Hospice in Killadeas, Co Fermanagh, due to a shortage of nurses.

After more than eight separate, highly publicised recruitment drives by Hospice, insufficient numbers of trainedpaediatric nurses have come forward for selection. 

Subsequently, the organisation has had to suspend services while it explores future options.

Northern Ireland Hospice Chief Executive Heather Weir said:

“It is with deep regret that I, on behalf of Northern Ireland Hospice, cannot bring better news concerning the delivery of Children’s Hospice services at Horizon West at this time.

“We at Hospice are saddened and disappointed that the shortage and availability ofnurseshas impeded our ability to deliver careat Horizon West.

"The safety of children in our care remains paramount and without an appropriately trained and competent care team, we cannot deliver short breaks or day care in this region.

”I do, however, wish to confirm that this regretful situation has not and will not impact on the continuation of both adult and children’s Community Hospice Care which is delivered across the western region.

"Our team of Northern Ireland Hospice Community Nurses will continue to provide palliative and end of life care to all those who need our support inpatients’ own homes, working in partnership with other healthcare professionals to deliver high quality, comprehensive care to those with life-limiting and terminal conditions.

“We wish to express our gratitude to our passionate support groups, fundraisers and the public for their continued support for the wider care services provided in the local community and at hospice.”

The Board of Trustees at Northern Ireland Hospice has determined that no further decisions will be taken regarding Horizon West while exploratory partnership conversations are ongoing. It is expected that an update will be available in early 2018.

Northern Ireland Hospice has also confirmed that children currently in receipt of Hospice care from the Co Fermanagh region will continue to receive supported family short breaks at ‘Horizon House’ Children’s Hospice in Newtownabbey, County Antrim.

Indeed, Northern Ireland Hospice is as busy as ever, caring for more than 3,500 children and adults across the province. The charity continues to depend on public support to deliver the highest quality palliative care to local people when they need it.