NI Hospice Calls For Palliative Care Support

The Northern Ireland Hospice has issued a rallying call to local health practices and communities ahead of Palliative Care Week, beginning on Sunday 08 September.

The week long campaign, organised by the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC), encourages individuals and groups to get involved by holding a small event, distributing promotional leaflets or by posting their own palliative care experience story on social media using the #pallcareweek hashtag.

This year's theme is 'Palliative Care: Surrounding You With Support', focusing on how people's needs are supported in the community.

This can involve support from primary care (such as GPs, public health nurses, district nurses), from hospices, hospitals, nursing homes, and wider community supports beyond formal health and and social care services. Support can be provided for weeks, months and years.

"Palliative care ensures that a person with a serious and progressive illness, regardless of age or condition, can have the best possible quality of life," said Karen Charnley, AIIHPC Director.

"Palliative care puts the person at the centre of care with a range of supports around them, whether that is their family or friends, including carers, or health professionals such as GPs, nurses or wider community supports.

"This year, we're calling on communities all over the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to help us to raise awareness of the importance of palliative care. If you are interested in learning more about palliative care and the campaign, or are involved in a community organisation interested in health and well-being, we would love to hear from you.

"AIIHPC works with our partners in hospices, other health care organisations, universities and charities, along with voluntary and community organisations to promote Palliative Care Week. We want as many people as possible to have a greater understanding of palliative care and we would love to have more groups and individuals from around the island of Ireland involved in supporting this year’s campaign."

Belfast man Pat Smyth, whose wife Angela attended the Northern Ireland Hospice Dementia Clinic, will feature in a poignant video to officially launch the campaign on 08 September speaking about the importance of palliative care and the difference NI Hospice has made on his wife's journey.

The Palliative Care Learning Academy at Northern Ireland Hospice is also hosting a 'Showcasing Palliative Care Research in Northern Ireland' event at The Palliative Care Learning Academy on Thursday, 12th September from 6-8:30pm. Email nuala.connolly@nihospice.org to book your place.



(JG/MH)