Palliaitve care provides physical, emotional and psychological support when you need it most
SINCE its establishment 30 years ago, North West Hospice has provided an invaluable service to people with life limiting illnesses in counties Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and Cavan.
The term is ‘ palliative care’, a way of providing support for the terminally ill and their families, not only physically, but emotionally and psychologically too.
But being referred to palliative care can mean different things to different people. For some, the words ‘ hospice’ fill them with dread as they have a limited knowledge of what it stands for.
Dr Anna Cleminson, Hospice Consultant, said it is about enabling people to live to their full potential, in contrast to what most people think.
“I think people traditionally think of it as only end of life,” she said.
“But studies have shown that by being involved earlier, there is an increase in a patient’s quality of life. There is also a perspective about palliative care being just about cancer, but it’s for any illness that limits life.
“Here in Sligo, we have the highest referred non- cancer patients in the country.”
Once a patient is admitted at North West Hospice, it is Anna’s job to look at them as an individual and assess them holistically.
“It’s not just physical, but it’s also emotional, spiritual and psychological. We must look at the person and listen to their symptoms and choose what is the best way to treat them. Many have questions, so we listen to those and answer them to the best of our abilities.”
North West Hospice offers patients an array of services to avail of, including massage therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
While there is a strong team of doctors and nurses, social workers are also on hand to help patients with the emotional consequences of their illness.
Anna said: “While being a good doctor is important, a specialist understanding of how to manage symptoms in a palliative environment is also key.
“It can take years of training to take on complex cases, but we have to work within our team, as we need more than one opinion.”
Although her job can be incredibly difficult, it is also very fulfilling.
“My favourite aspect is the interaction with the patients. Everyone’s different and I think providing positive input into their lives is rewarding.”
She added: “Being able to help with their symptoms and perhaps removing pain so they can sleep and also treat the patient within the context of the family is rewarding. No one is an island.”
At present North West Hospice has 8 full time beds and three single rooms.
The plans for the new build would be that it contains 12 single rooms as this would be more suitable for patients and their families.