Caru Is Officially Launched!
Over 70 people gathered in the Mansion House for the official launch of Caru with 130 joining via a live stream. Speaking at the launch via pre-recorded video, Minister Butler said:
“I am pleased to launch the Caru programme as it supports Community Nursing Units and nursing homes to enhance palliative, end of life and bereavement care for their residents and families. Importantly, the programme has been developed with the service user at the heart of its design. At all times, the voice and choice of older people needs to be heard. The Caru programme ensures that nursing home staff are trained and supported to deliver excellent care, in line with residents and their families’ needs and wishes.”
Watch Minister Butler's speech below:
Hosted by Marty Whelan, guests heard from Siobhan Murphy, Director of Healthcare at IHF who spoke about ensuring all staff in nursing homes are equipped and empowered to make decisions and have the difficult conversations supported by Caru and introduced the 9 Regional Leads who will oversee the implementation of the programme and support nursing home staff and owners at local level. Other speakers endorsing the programme included Dr. Stephanie O’Keefe, National Director, Strategic Planning and Transformation HSE, Karen Charnley Director of the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) and co-partner in the Caru Programme and Siobhán O’Dwyer Global Head of Marketing and Public Affairs from the Kingspan Group who are proudly supporting the Caru Programme.