Just one HSE social worker to help Laois and Offaly cancer victims and families

The HSE has just par-time social worker to help cancer victims and their families in Laois and Offaly through the end-of-life stage of their illness and there, a Laois TD has learned.

The shortage was confirmed to Laois independent TD Brian Stanley by the HSE after he initially raised the matter in the Dáil with the Minister for Health.

Social workers help people with a life-limiting condition and their families by assisting with practical difficulties around social, financial and legal matters and by providing supportive counselling to assist adjustment to grief and loss.

Dep Stanley asked if the situation of only one part-time palliative care social worker covering all of counties Laois and Offaly will be rectified, given other counties with a similar population have two full-time palliative care social workers.

The Minister referred the query to the HSE. Joseph Ruane, Head of Primary Care Services, Midlands Louth Meath Community Health Organisation replied in writing. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

"The HSE has been requested to reply directly to you in the context of the above Parliamentary Question, which you submitted to the Minister for Health for response. I have examined the matter and outlined the position as follows.

"Currently there is one Senior Social Worker on the Laois/Offaly Palliative Care Team working 3 days per week (0.6WTE).

"An additional Senior Social Worker post has been sought from the National Service Plan for 2025 and I anticipate that this will be approved," he said.

Dep Stanley said it was his understanding that the key roles include counselling, dealing with complex family dynamics, advocacy on behalf of families and liaising with local services.

He added that this was previously a full-time position in Laois/Offaly. He said Longford/Westmeath has two full-time Palliative Care Social Workers but has a smaller population than Laois/Offaly.

The HSE says its Palliative Care Programme aims to ensure that persons with life-limiting conditions and their families can easily access a level of palliative care service that is appropriate to their needs regardless of care setting or diagnosis.