The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI), Rt Rev Dr Richard Kerr, had the privilege of visiting the NI Hospice and Children’s Hospice during his week-long tour of the Presbytery of North Belfast.
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Moderator discovers ‘It’s Not What You Think’ during Palliative Care Week
It was back in 1983 that the very first Hospice Community Nurse started work. Since then, Northern Ireland Hospice has grown to become a leader in specialist palliative care, delivering high-quality, person-centred, holistic palliative care to 4,500 patients every year.
When the Moderator, along with his wife Brenda, visited the In-patient Units last Thursday afternoon (10 September), they met the people behind this care and heard for themselves the extent of support and services which are offered to individuals and families during what can be very difficult and distressing circumstances.
Dr Kerr said, “I found it to be a humbling experience to hear about the very specialist care and support that is being provided by the NI Hospice through their adult and children’s services. This comprehensive care meets the individual needs of each and every patient. Not only do they offer a range of palliative care services for their adult patients, but they also wrap their care around the families and carers”.
When this presbytery tour was being organised, it was perhaps no coincidence that the Moderator’s visit to the NI Hospice took place during Palliative Care Week 2026 (Sunday 6 September – Saturday 12 September). The theme for the week was ‘It’s Not What You Think’, with the purpose being to raise public awareness and increase understanding of palliative care and its benefits. Much misunderstanding about palliative care persists, which results in people who could greatly benefit from palliative care potentially missing out on an improved quality of life.
Dr Kerr continued, “I am delighted that I was able to visit the NI Hospice during this significant week, and I hope that my visit may in some small way raises awareness of the specialist work taking place here every day.”
As well as visiting the NI Hospice, Dr Kerr also had the opportunity to find out about the work of the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice – the only children’s hospice in Northern Ireland.
This specialist, multi-disciplinary staff team were keen to highlight that the care they offer is not only for end of life, but also to provide respite care for children with complex needs. They also want the public to know that the hospice is not a sad place.
Corrina Heron (Chaplain) said,
“At the NI Children’s Hospice, we aim to create a happy environment where children enjoy coming with their families. Parental accommodation is also available, with many coming and using this as a holiday for the rest of their family”, .
Corrina continued, “Sibling support is a key element of our work, with dedicated sessions to support the resilience, confidence and wellbeing of the siblings, who as carers - as well as being brothers and sisters - need this support in their daily lives.”
Before Dr Kerr ended his visit, he had the opportunity to learn about the Bereavement Project run by the Children’s Hospice. This project provides bereavement support for the whole family, including siblings, for up to two years after a child's death. This specialist individual support helps families come to terms with their loss and assists in practical matters.
“The depth and value of the support that is available to families as they mourn the loss of their child cannot be underestimated. I have found it to be both a blessing and an encouragement to learn more about the invaluable work taking place here”, said Dr Kerr.
Dr Kerr concluded by saying, “PCI believe that palliative care is a dignified and compassionate support for those who need it at the most difficult of times, not just physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Access to high quality palliative care, as provided here at the NI Hospice and Children’s Hospice, should not be a postcode lottery nor depend primarily upon charitable fundraising.”