Funding not yet sought for Bereavement Officer role at MUH

Saolta has yet to apply for funding for the provision of a bereavement officer at Mayo University Hospital.

In response to a question from Castlebar councillor Michael Kilcoyne at last week’s Regional Health Forum West, Interim CEO of the Saolta University Healthcare Group Anne Cosgrove said MUH had raised the issue of hiring a bereavement officer previously but other priorities have come before it.

Ms Cosgrove acknowledged there was a need for a bereavement officer and the benefit it would have for families.

She said MUH had a number of programmes in place to enhance the quality of end of life care.

This includes two CNS palliative care nurses, 0.5 end of life co-ordinator, a bereavement midwife for maternity and social workers who liaise with bereaved families in certain circumstances.

Ms Cosgrove said they will continue to review the situation with regards to funding for this role.

“It is accepted that there is a requirement for a Bereavement Officer at MUH and we will continue to review any funding stream which could lead to this appointment,” she said.