Trust executive reinstated terminal patient's nursing care

The Omagh-based MLA made the revelation during a debate on hospice services at the Stormont Assembly.

He told the house that the man could not return home from hospital because his nursing care had been slashed from five nights to two.

He commented: "It has been mentioned already that patients often prefer to be looked after at home, in a hospice or in a care home that can provide the required standard and quality of palliative end-of-life care.

"Recently, I had a concern about Marie Curie nursing in my area. A single parent, who was younger than me, was terminally ill with a brain tumour.

"He had two children, and he could not return home from hospital because his Marie Curie care had been cut from five nights to two.

"I wrote to the chief executive of the Western Trust, and she reinstated that care. I commend her for that."

Dr Deeny went on to express concern about cuts to Marie Curie nursing in the Western Trust.

"However, the concern remains that Marie Curie nurses are being cut in the Western Trust," he stated.

"That is a concern because terminally ill patients need that type of support at home. Each patient with end-of-life care needs should have a key worker.

"Every child and family should have an agreed transfer plan to adult services in both hospital and community services, with no loss of necessary services.

"Access to specialist palliative care, advice and support should be available 24/7. The sad reality is that there is no palliative care strategy for children in Northern Ireland. That compares unfavourably with other countries. It cannot continue."