The President of the Xunta, Alfonso Rueda, highlighted that the Consello approved today “the first Galician pediatric palliative care plan to unify and strengthen care for children and families throughout the community”. It will have a budget of three million euros until 2030.
This document will enable the development of a specific care model for children and adolescents with complex chronic or life-limiting illnesses requiring palliative care, establishing “common assessment and action protocols throughout the territory”. The new model proposed by the Galician Health Service aims to organize pediatric palliative care that is “comprehensive, coordinated, and more humane”, according to the Minister of Health, Antonio Gómez Caamaño.
The Plan involves consolidating home care, digitizing follow-up, and providing clinical support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will be coordinated with all care levels, include home hospitalization (HADO) and the 061 service, and implement an intermediate care resource to connect home and hospital for children who cannot be at home but do not require ICU admission.
The total budget of 3 million euros until 2030 will be concentrated mainly on healthcare personnel and human resources, as well as the acquisition of vehicles, technology, and ultrasound devices. It foresees the incorporation of five pediatricians and five nursing professionals.
The Plan, which has the scientific endorsement of the Society of Pediatrics of Galicia and the Spanish Society of Pediatric Palliative Care, is structured around four strategic lines: patient classification, organization and coordination of resources, comprehensive care for people with advanced illness and their families, and training and support in palliative care for professionals.
Among the main measures, it highlights the progressive development of a Galician pediatric palliative care network, integrated by primary care, hospital care (with HADO), the 061 service, and community resources, reinforcing home and continuous 24-hour care. "Comprehensive pediatric palliative care units" will be created in the university hospitals of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, and Vigo, along with specialized multidisciplinary teams in all health areas.
Specific care will also be provided for end-of-life support, including symptom control, comprehensive home care, and emotional, psychological, and social support throughout the process and bereavement follow-up. It will also include advance care planning and early identification of patients with palliative needs. The program Coidamos Contigo is planned for temporary support and family respite.
