Palliative Care, not Euthanasia

Palliative care is hard work, both physically and psychologically. When caring for a terminally ill patient, what should be included?

  • Strong drugs and medicine to control the pain
  • A warm, clean environment
  • Help given to the patient in adjusting to increased physical disability
  • Care that treats the patient as a real person, not just a medical problem

The World Health Organisation says that ‘palliative care affirms life and regards dying as a normal process; it neither hastens nor postpones death; it provides relief from pain and suffering; it integrates the the psychological aspects of the patient.’

Palliative care is physical, emotional and spiritual care for a dying person when a cure is not possible. It should be enough to prevent any person from contemplating euthanasia.St Francis’ Hospice in Raheny and Blanchardstown provides an excellent service of palliative care. It is a voluntary organisation under the care of the Daughters of Charity and St Vincent de Paul.You can find out more about their caring work here.