New campaign launched for patients requiring Palliative Care in Western Trust area

Mervyn Allison with his wife Irene are pictured with Martina Donaghy, District Nurse Sister and Julie McCaffrey, District Nurse to launch the District Nursing Service poster campaign.

A new campaign highlighting the service provided by the local District Nursing Teams and other professionals who provide palliative care, treatment and support for people with a life-limiting illness has been launched.

The new Western Trust poster campaign was to be launched in March this year, however, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic it had to be put on hold.

Claire Cartin, Primary Care and Community Co-ordinator for the Trust explained: “The District Nursing service provides safe and effective evidence based care to people in their own homes across the Western Trust.

“In the majority of cases the District Nurse is the identified keyworker for patients requiring palliative care within the adult community setting. They also provide support to patient’s family and friends.

“We are delighted to launch this poster with the help of patient Mervyn Allison and his wife Irene [pictured on Page 2] who kindly agreed to support our campaign. Mervyn and Irene have been very complimentary of the service provided by our staff and we very much appreciate their support.

“The posters will be displayed in all GP surgeries, hospital wards and health care facilities across the Trust area to help raise awareness to the general public of the invaluable service provided by our district nurses.”

Irene Allison said: “From day one the District Nurses have been there to support me as well as my husband Mervyn. I have peace of mind because I know that if I have a problem or concern they are at the end of the phone and will be with me as soon as they possibly can.

“To me their support is invaluable. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic the District Nursing Team have been here to support us both – they might look a little different in PPE equipment, however, they continue to go the extra mile to provide the best care and support.”

Claire meanwhile continued: “We are grateful for the support of our GP colleagues and community and voluntary sector who continue to provide care and support to patients requiring palliative care, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The Trust has issued special thanks to Dr Ciara O’Neill, Macmillan Specialist GP; Dr Frances Robinson, Specialist Palliative Care Consultant; Marie Donnelly, Macmillan Palliative Care Facilitator; Janet Kilfeeder, NI Hospice; Foyle Hospice; Ann McSorley, Specialist Dietitian and Alison Sweeney, Marie Curie for supporting the campaign.

The poster is available at www.westerntrust.hscni.net

Anyone seeking further information can contact Claire Cartin on 028 81672840 or email: [email protected]