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Launch of new volunteer patient support programme - Cairde

Date Released: 10 Sep 2007

Former Taoiseach, Albert Reynolds, and SIPTU National Industrial Secretary, Matt Merrigan are among those meeting the HSE tomorrow to finalise plans for the formation of a volunteer programme called CAIRDE which will provide patient support in Irish hospitals.

St. James Hospital in Dublin and Ennis Hospital in Clare have been chosen as the first hospitals to be part of a six month pilot programme, to be followed by Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.

The programme has the support of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland as well as the Minister for Equality, Sean Power TD, who has played a major role in this initiative since his days in the Department of Health.

Albert Reynolds – who represents Ireland’s Children for Children and Adult Care Foundation -  said "we are delighted to take part in this programme and hope it will bring support to hospital staff, visitors and most importantly patients. We welcome the unreserved support of SIPTU, the College of Surgeons and Minister Sean Power.  Irish people have always been so giving and we encourage people all over the country to donate some of their time to this project."

Prof. Gerry McElvaney, RCSI said "we welcome the initiative and hope to play an active part in the development of CAIRDE. Working together with the HSE, we can all make a positive difference in our hospitals.”

Sean Power, Minister for Equality said “the hospitals are the centre of the community and, working together, we can all help to bring some happiness into the lives of those who are most vulnerable.”

Matt Merrigan, SIPTU said “volunteers working with CAIRDE would be required to undertake a training programme – including safe hygiene procedures. They would offer support to patients who may need assistance with eating, making phone calls, accompanying them if they need to go for a procedures etc., or just bringing them in toiletries.”

Volunteer programmes like CAIRDRE have been successful in the United States and Canada and the group here developed a link with some of their counterparts in the US to develop the programme.  Those interested in volunteering can call 087-9792626.





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