HSE must examine loco parentis clause
Labour Party Health spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has called on the Minister for Health and the HSE to seriously examine the ‘loco parentis’ clause in home care nursing contracts.
Deputy Kelly said:
“The loco parentis clause in homecare nursing contracts is putting undue pressure on families whose children have additional needs that require nursing care at home.
“This clause means that parents have to be present when the nurse is present. This often means that parents need to put their lives on hold so their child can receive medical care.
“This clause has been completely unworkable for parents, the HSE have recognised that but have yet to make any changes to the paediatric home care package guidelines.
“The Minister for Health needs to act quickly on adjusting this clause to make life more easy for parents who already find themselves in extremely challenging circumstances.”