Huge victory for Michael Lowry as he secures Paediatric Palliative Care in South East

Tipperary TD, Michael Lowry, has confirmed that a full Paediatric Palliative Care Service has been put in place with immediate effect in the South East.

The Independent Deputy has staged a long campaign to ensure this vital service for families in the South East, who have been without a Paediatric Palliative Care service since 2017.

Deputy Lowry became involved in a determined battle to secure these services late last year, when he was contacted by the parent of a seven-year-old boy, Danny Norris.

Danny was terminally ill and his wish was to return home to be with his parents and brothers after many months in hospital.

The absence of Paediatric Palliative Care in the region made Danny’s wish seem impossible, but having highlighted his care both in the Dáil and through the media, a paediatric team was put in place and Danny was able to spend his final days with his beloved family.

“The anguish and helplessness felt by this family at such a difficult time in their lives was something that touched me deeply,” says Deputy Lowry.

“To see the helplessness and pain of his parents and family when they learned that bringing their precious boy home was not possible because the proper services were not in place in the SE Region was devastating.

“I made a commitment at that time to ensure that this situation would be rectified. I raised the matter at every available opportunity.

“Sadly, the service was not in place when another family needed it some months ago.

“They were forced to publicly air their plight in an effort to get Paediatric Palliative Care for their four-year-old daughter, who passed away some weeks ago.

“This is something that no family should be forced to do at such a harrowing time.

“I once again raised the matter with the Taoiseach in the Dáil.

“I emphasised that this service is available to families and children right across the country, with the only exception being the South East Region.

“I was told on that occasion that the money and the will to put the service in place was there.

“Thankfully, I have learned that a full service, including a Paediatric Palliative Care Consultant and the nursing and respite staff has now been sanctioned with immediate effect.

“In the future, if a child is deemed to be terminally ill, the option will exist to bring the child home to be with their loved ones in their final days.

“Although these will be the most distressing days of their lives, there will have the comfort and security of home rather than the clinical setting of a hospital.

“In the future, no family will have to plead and beg for this service.

“No family will be denied this option.

“No one wishes to avail of such a service, but if the situation does arise, they are entitled and deserving of every possible comfort and support,” added Deputy Lowry.