Anew €12 million all-island institute for hospice and palliative care is to be established on the island of Ireland by next Autumn to improve the experience and understanding of end-of-life care.

The institute, which will have a 10-year life span, aims to transform the experience of hospice and palliative care here by using research to develop knowledge, promote lifelong learning, influence policy and translate research into practice, according to the Health Research Board (HRB).

It is hoped after its lifespan, the institute will leave behind robust structures and organisational networks that will continue to reflect and develop its aims. “At a time when people are feeling most vulnerable and need strong support, it is essential that they get the best care, which is informed by the latest research,” said Prof David Clark, who is supported by the Irish Hospice Foundation in his role of visiting Professor of Hospice Studies at Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin.

The HRB stated that palliative care experts and government departments and agencies across the island have already been consulted as part of the initial discussions, and a recent injection of philanthropic funding to get the project off the ground last month means it is possible to take major steps forward in 2009.

Some €12 million will be required to run the institute in its first five years. Eight-million euros million will be pledged in advance and organisations submitting proposals to run the institute will have to demonstrate how they will generate the balance of €4 million.

The HRB and the Health and Social Care Research and Development Office in Belfast are running the international competition, and are hosting an information session for interested parties at the Alexander Hotel, Dublin city centre on January 28. The call for tenders will be made shortly afterwards.