Menu
28/11/2002
Minister agrees to set up Hospice review panel
The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Des Browne, has announced that there will be a review into the operation of the Northern Ireland Hospice.
While not commenting directly on the on the situation at the Northern Ireland Hospice, Mr Browne said that the problems which have developed at the Hospice had been watched with "growing concern".
He said: "We did not want to intervene in matters which were essentially employment matters of an independent organisation. However, we have now been invited to become involved by the council of management and there is clear public interest and concern over the affairs of the Hospice."
In a statement earlier this week the Hospice Council said that Chief Executive Tom Hill was to step aside to allow an independent review of the operation of the charity and its council's activities. The management council of the Hospice requested the Department of Health to urgently begin a full review to "conclusively establish all the facts surrounding the operation of the hospice within the past two-and-a-half year period."
However, at the subsequent AGM held on Wednesday evening where two new council members were appointed, around half of the staff walked out amid angry exchanges and calls for the meeting to be postponed until the inquiry was completed.
Today, Mr Browne said that while a review was in order as the Department had an interest through funding from the public purse given to the Hospice each year, it would be inappropriate for the department itself to conduct such a review. He said an appropriate group of people would be appointed to carry out the review and that the department's role would be limited to putting together an expert team to draw up a framework for the review to be completed within as short a timescale as possible.
The Minister added: “I have great admiration for the work of the hospice movement and my objective will be to ensure that we do all we can to find ways of helping the staff to continue to perform their valuable work.”
(SP)
While not commenting directly on the on the situation at the Northern Ireland Hospice, Mr Browne said that the problems which have developed at the Hospice had been watched with "growing concern".
He said: "We did not want to intervene in matters which were essentially employment matters of an independent organisation. However, we have now been invited to become involved by the council of management and there is clear public interest and concern over the affairs of the Hospice."
In a statement earlier this week the Hospice Council said that Chief Executive Tom Hill was to step aside to allow an independent review of the operation of the charity and its council's activities. The management council of the Hospice requested the Department of Health to urgently begin a full review to "conclusively establish all the facts surrounding the operation of the hospice within the past two-and-a-half year period."
However, at the subsequent AGM held on Wednesday evening where two new council members were appointed, around half of the staff walked out amid angry exchanges and calls for the meeting to be postponed until the inquiry was completed.
Today, Mr Browne said that while a review was in order as the Department had an interest through funding from the public purse given to the Hospice each year, it would be inappropriate for the department itself to conduct such a review. He said an appropriate group of people would be appointed to carry out the review and that the department's role would be limited to putting together an expert team to draw up a framework for the review to be completed within as short a timescale as possible.
The Minister added: “I have great admiration for the work of the hospice movement and my objective will be to ensure that we do all we can to find ways of helping the staff to continue to perform their valuable work.”
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 November 2024
Police Launch Christmas Operation To Keep Derry City & Strabane Safe
Derry City and Strabane Police have launched Operation Season's Greetings, an annual initiative aimed at ensuring public safety during the festive period. Increased police patrols will be deployed across the district to deter crime and anti-social behaviour.
Police Launch Christmas Operation To Keep Derry City & Strabane Safe
Derry City and Strabane Police have launched Operation Season's Greetings, an annual initiative aimed at ensuring public safety during the festive period. Increased police patrols will be deployed across the district to deter crime and anti-social behaviour.
26 November 2024
PSNI Launches Annual Christmas Operation
Police launched Operation Season's Greetings today ahead of the busy festive period. The annual Chrismas operation, which aims to keep people safe in the run-up to and over the Christmas and New Year period, will see an increase in proactive police patrols across key areas of Northern Ireland.
PSNI Launches Annual Christmas Operation
Police launched Operation Season's Greetings today ahead of the busy festive period. The annual Chrismas operation, which aims to keep people safe in the run-up to and over the Christmas and New Year period, will see an increase in proactive police patrols across key areas of Northern Ireland.
04 December 2002
Minister moves to reassure Hospice staff
The Minister with responsibility for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Des Browne has responded to an open letter from some staff at the Northern Ireland Hospice.
Minister moves to reassure Hospice staff
The Minister with responsibility for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Des Browne has responded to an open letter from some staff at the Northern Ireland Hospice.
25 March 2010
Stepping Out For Hospice Funds
The Northern Ireland Hospice is calling on the public to put a spring in their step and get registered for Hospice Big Walk Week. Boosting the call to register, UTV's Julian Simmons and 'Mrs Walker', Olivia Nash have appealed to the public to support NI's biggest family walking event, now in its 30th year.
Stepping Out For Hospice Funds
The Northern Ireland Hospice is calling on the public to put a spring in their step and get registered for Hospice Big Walk Week. Boosting the call to register, UTV's Julian Simmons and 'Mrs Walker', Olivia Nash have appealed to the public to support NI's biggest family walking event, now in its 30th year.
26 November 2002
NI Hospice chief steps aside for operational review
The Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Hospice, Tom Hill, is to step aside to allow an independent review of the operation of the charity and its council's activities.
NI Hospice chief steps aside for operational review
The Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Hospice, Tom Hill, is to step aside to allow an independent review of the operation of the charity and its council's activities.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
