THE ROLE OF THE PALLIATIVE CARE HOSPICE NURSE
PALLIATIVE CARE is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems: physical, psychological and spiritual. (HSE 2012)
Co Wexford Hospice Home care was set up in 1991 with one nurse and was based in the old County Hospital. The service has expanded and changed greatly over the years.
It is now based in Ely Hospital and includes a Clinical Nurse Manager and seven Specialist Palliative
Care Nurses (Clinical Nurse Specialists) who work in the community, an Occupational Therapist and a part-time Secretary.
The team is lead by a Palliative Care Medical Consultant, based in Waterford Regional Hospital, with whom the nurses have regular contact. A team approach is used to address the needs of patients and families.
The role of the Palliative nurse is varied and includes assessment and management of symptoms at all stages of the patients illness. Frequency of contact is primarily determined by the needs of the patient.
The role affirms life and regards dying as a normal process, integrating the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care. The nurses provide support to enable patients live as actively as possible, offering guidance to help families cope during the patient’s illness and in their bereavement.
The nurses provide specialist palliative care advice to patients and their families in their own homes, Nursing Homes, Community units, and local hospitals, such as St John’s Hospital, Enniscorthy, New Ross Community, New Haughton Hospital, New Ross, Gorey District Hospital, with the overall aim of enhancing quality of life and positively influencing the course of the illness.
As advocates for the patient, the nurses link closely with a range of professionals and services including GPs, Public Health Nurses, members of the Oncology and Palliative Care teams within hospitals, the Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing Service, Community Pharmacies, Cancer Support services e.g. Hope Centre in Enniscorthy. Such communication is essential in patient and family care.
THE NURSES PROVIDE SUPPORT TO ENABLE PATIENTS LIVE AS ACTIVELY AS POSSIBLE
‘You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.’ – Dame Cicely Saunders, Nurse, Physician, Writer, and Founder of Hospice Movement (1918-2005)