Ombudsman’s end-of-life care report notes “considerable progress”

However the Ombudsman Mr Peter Tyndall also noted  that there are “still some aspects of services that require attention”.

‘A Good Death: Progress Report’ was launched today in Dublin.

At the launch Mr Tyndall said “It is encouraging to see the considerable progress that has been made in end-of-life care in recent years, through excellent partnership working.”

“However, there are still some aspects of services that require attention and I look forward to seeing these addressed so that we can, as far as is possible, ensure that people dying in Ireland can do so with dignity, without pain and surrounded by their loved ones.”

The Ombudsman’s report was jointly launched with the Irish Hospice Foundation and the HSE who published a new information booklet for the public: ‘When someone you care about is dying in hospital – What to expect.’

Speaking at the launch, Professor Cillian Twomey, Chair of the HSE/HFH [Hospice Friendly Hospitals] Oversight Committee said “as the Ombudsman’s ‘Good Death’ report continues to highlight poor communication is a feature in almost all the complaints received, we hope this booklet will play a role in reducing the gap between the message professionals intended to give and what is understood.”

Representing the HSE at today’s launch was Mr Liam Woods, National Director Acute Operations who said end of life care is a very important area for the Exectuive.

“Over 11,000 people die in hospital each year and our services and our staff are part of the experience of so many families at this difficult and emotional time. I am very encouraged that the Ombudsman’s second report has shown clear signs of improvement across our hospitals.

“The HSE continues to work very closely with a range of partner organisations to improve how we deal with end of life issues and in particular I would like the acknowledge the work of the Irish Hospice Foundation in this area.”