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ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT

ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT IN THE DEAN MAXWELL HOME

I am delighted to be here with you today at the opening of your new Palliative Care Unit. I wish to thank Matron Keevey for asking me to perform this pleasant task. I am sure that Dean Maxwell would be very proud of the developments here since the Home was opened in 1974. It is a pity that he never lived to see the plans for the Home come to fruition.

I know that all of you here will agree that the importance of care of the terminally ill and chronic sick cannot be underestimated and the manner in which we organise our palliative care services says much about how we, as a society, value the needs of those who require such a service. Certainly anyone who has seen a family member or close friend through the latter stages of terminal illness will know and value dearly the physical support and constant encouragement which Units such as this can give.

Palliative care has at its core the provision of the highest possible quality of life for both patients and their families. At a time when the medical expectation is not cure and the primary aim is no longer to prolong life, a dedicated multi-professional team provides continuing and total care of patients and their families. In experiencing such a situation a wide range of emotions will be touched upon and staff offer a spiritual comfort and support, without which, some people would find it difficult to cope. While family members will also find some solace through this service, the sensitive handling of patient needs will remain the central focus.

It is heartening to see that there is now a greater appreciation of the role of palliative care in the overall provision of health services. I am pleased to see that today there is a very good working relationship between the Mid Western Health Board and the North Tipperary Hospice Foundation. I would like to compliment the Board and the voluntary sector in this region for having developed a partnership approach to the delivery of services in an atmosphere of mutual support and understanding. The importance of the continued development of this partnership to the people of this region cannot be over-stressed and shouldn't be understated. I wish to congratulate everyone associated with the development of this palliative care unit at Dean Maxwell Home and I wish you well in your future endeavours.

Thank You.