More Marymount services planned

Marymount is to expand its palliative care services for children as part of its seven-year strategic plan which was recently launched.

Under Marymount’s Strategy Plan 2019-2025, there are also plans to ensure the financial sustainability of its services, optimise its services for older people and carry out more research.

Speaking at the launch, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare/Health Service Executive Chief Officer, Ger Reaney said: “Marymount University Hospital and Hospice are a valued partner of Cork Kerry Community Healthcare in the delivery of palliative and older people services. We welcome the initiative of the board in preparing a strategy to plan for the increasing demographic needs of both of these groups.”

The Strategy Plan was launched by the Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Ann Doherty.

She said: “It has been an honour to be affiliated with Marymount and for me to provide leadership in the development of this strategy. Marymount has a rich history, strong values and a highly motivated team. They have advised internationally on hospice care and are now ready to achieve their next level of ambition.”

Marymount Chief Executive Officer Sarah McCloskey said new evidence shows that palliative care is not only clinically effective and prolongs life, but is equally cost saving.

“Care for those with a life limiting illness is known to account for a large proportion of health care resources. In the US they have estimated that 25 per cent of all health care expenditure is related to persons in their last year of life. In the UK they have estimated that approximately 20 per cent of acute hospital bed days are taken up by end of life care,” she said.

Marymount has set its strategic vision to be a world-class leader in order to meet the needs of the people they serve and to lead research and education in this area.