The monthly Padre Pio April devotions will be held in Castleisland on the coming Tuesday, 8th – the second Tuesday of the month – at 7:30pm. and Saint Padre Pio’s Healing Glove will be available for blessings on the night.
Witness will be given by local woman Mari O’Connell, director of nursing at the Palliative Care Unit at University Hospital Kerry.
“Palliative care is holistic care that includes looking after physical, emotional and spiritual well being. And the Heavenly orchestras are sometimes heard,” – a statement from Castleisland parish office.
Kerry Hospice Foundation Chairman, Jack Shanahan outlines the function of the unit and plans for a €6.2m expansion of accommodation and the services it provides:
‘A Specialised Approach to Medical Care’
“While easing pain has always been a key part of medicine, palliative care is a relatively new speciality. The difference is in the recognition that pain is only one part of what affects patients, and their families.
Modern palliative care is a specialised approach to medical care that focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with serious, chronic, or life-threatening illnesses.
Relief from Pain, Symptoms and Stress
It aims to provide relief from pain, symptoms, and stress while addressing the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of both patients and their families. Palliative care is not limited to end-of-life situations, it is often provided alongside treatment..
We are delighted to be able to announce that a third consultant will be starting this year, These consultants lead teams, composing of doctors, nurses, social workers, pharmacists and others, tailor care to individual needs. This approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive support in managing symptoms such as pain, fatigue, nausea, and anxiety. Communication and shared decision-making are central to palliative care, helping patients understand their treatment options and align care with their personal values and goals.
Focusing on Dignity and Comfort
In Kerry, we also ensure that the families of patients get support where appropriate.
Advancements in modern palliative care emphasize early intervention, outpatient services, and home-based care, allowing patients to remain comfortable in familiar environments. It is widely used in managing conditions like cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and neurological disorders. By focusing on dignity, comfort, and emotional well-being, modern palliative care enhances the patient’s quality of life and supports families through challenging times.
Over the last thirty years, Kerry Hospice Foundation has invested almost €15 million into palliative services in Kerry.
Much of this was bricks and mortar, where we built, and fully paid, for both outpatient and inpatient units. Both of these were handed over to the HSE. These have been invaluable for the people of Kerry and the Health Service.
No Paid Fundraisers or Managers
Kerry Hospice Foundation is a voluntary organisation, with no paid fundraisers or managers. With a strong governance structure, enthusiastic fundraisers and enormous community engagement, we have demonstrated an impressive track record.
Our last major building project, the 15 bed inpatient unit, has been running over capacity since it opened in 2017. Consequently, we have embarked on a project to, among other enhancements, deliver five much needed extra beds. We estimate that will cost in excess of €6.2 million.
Never Forget Our Motto !
Additionally we have committed to funding the extra staff costs, in the amount of €300,000 a year, for three years.
Another current initiative has been our agreeing to fund two advanced nurse practitioner posts, to the tune of €150,000 a year.
They have already delivered serious quality improvements, including a dramatic reductions in UHK emergency department visits from care homes around the county.
Kerry Hospice Foundation are proud of what we have achieved together with the people of Kerry and the HSE. As we embark on our current project, we ask that you keep us in mind. Never forget our motto, that while Kerry Hospice will always need you, we hope that you never need us,” said Jack in conclusion.
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