Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD today lent his support to the seventh Palliative Care Week, a public awareness campaign led by the All-Ireland Institute for Hospice and Palliative Care. Palliative Care Week aims to raise awareness of the difference palliative care can make to patients, carers and families across the island of Ireland. Running from Sunday 13th to Saturday 19th September, this year’s theme is “Palliative Care: In this together”, with events taking place in the context of Covid-19 and exploring what palliative care has to offer in a changed healthcare landscape.

Minister Donnelly said:

While the programme of events for Palliative Care Week is different this year because of Covid-19, this annual awareness campaign educates the public on the importance of palliative care and highlights the benefits of accessing such care when needed.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, Minister Donnelly added;

Much like the national effort against Covid-19, Palliative Care Week reminds us that we are all in this together when it comes to caring for people with life-limiting conditions in our society. We stand in solidarity with all those receiving palliative care, and I am delighted to support Palliative Care Week.

Recognising the work of the All-Ireland Institute for Hospice and Palliative Care, Minister Donnelly commended the efforts of hospices, health and social care organisations and universities, north and south of the border, to deliver a better experience for patients and their families. He further noted that the Department of Health has begun to undertake preliminary work to prepare for an update of the national adult palliative care policy, in line with the Programme for Government. It is anticipated that the new policy will reflect new advancements in the organisation and delivery of end-of life care and international best practice including the important work of the HSE’s Palliative Care Clinical Programme.

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