The government is to spend $15.5 million over four years to set up a national paediatric palliative care service. The care would be delivered by dedicated specialist teams in the North and South islands. At present, Health New Zealand funds just one specialist paediatric palliative care physician, based at Auckland's Starship Children's Hospital. Health Minister Simeon Brown made the announcement this morning ahead of this month's Budget, saying children with serious illnesses and their families would be better supported with compassionate, specialist paediatric palliative care closer to home. Teams would include specialist paediatric palliative care physicians, clinical nurse specialists, social workers, clinical psychologists, and nurse practitioners. They would work alongside health professionals nationwide, supporting and training local care teams so children can receive the best possible care in their homes and communities, Brown said.…