Mayo hospital accepts need for bereavement officer after recent revelations
Mayo University Hospital has accepted the need for a bereavement officer - but cannot give a firm timeline for the appointment.
The matter was raised by Councillor Michael Kilcoyne at the July meeting of the HSE West Forum.
It follows a recent revelation in which a patient recounted a distressing experience at the facility where a fellow patient in the ward passed away from a terminal illness.
Shockingly, there was no designated room available for the dying patient, resulting in a stream of loved ones arriving to pay their final respects in the shared ward.
The deceased remained in the ward for nearly five and a half hours, during which time meals were served to other patients, and visitors came and went as if nothing had happened.
Maintaining normal activities in the ward while the deceased was present have prompted Councillor Harry Barrett to demand the immediate appointment of a designated bereavement officer at the hospital - and he asked Councillor Kilcoyne to raise the matter at the HSE West Forum meeting.
In response to Councillor Kilcoyne's question, the HSE outlined: "Mayo University Hospital has a number of programmes in place to enhance the quality of end of life care, working towards full compliance with the Hospice Friendly Hospital Standards of Care.
"There are two palliative care nurses, a part-time end of life co-ordinator and a bereavement midwife for maternity in the hospital.
"A social worker also liaises with bereaved families in certain circumstances.
"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.
"There has previously never been a resource for a bereavement officer in the hospital for the general services."
Councillor Barrett said he welcomed the acknowledgment of the urgent need for the appointment and he hoped it will be made very soon.
"I had highlighted this issue months ago and was very unhappy about the end of life care in Mayo University Hospital.
"We needed a dedicated person to deal with family queries; issues with the coroner; guidance regarding mortuary procedures and dealing with Hospital staff.
"This is a specialist role and needed to be put in place. I am delighted now from the reply to the question that this role will hopefully be put in place very soon.
"I want to ensure dignity for a person at the end of their life. I want to take stress off families and what is their toughest hours and days and I am delighted now that Mayo University Hospital sees the need and are committing to delivering that role."