Palliative Care is an approach to care 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, impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems physical, psychological and spiritual (WHO 2002)
The palliative and supportive care team at the Bon Secours Hospital Dublin includes a Consultant in Palliative Medicine - Dr Liam O'Siorain and a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Palliative Care - Geraldine Nolan.
As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the aim is to provide a comprehensive holistic and integrated service to all patients and their families. The focus is on quality of life which includes good symptom control. Patients may be referred to the service at any stage of their illness depending upon their symptom burden, from diagnosis through active treatment and for end of life care.
Patients are generally referred to the Palliative Care Team by one of the specialist consultants within the hospital. Patients are seen irrespective of their diagnosis and an increasing number of patients with non-malignant chronic conditions such as COPD and congestive heart failure are benefiting greatly from the service.
Referrals are made for advice and / or assessment for the following:
Pain and Fatigue Management, Rehabilitation in Palliative Care
Patients are generally referred to the Palliative Care Team by one of the specialist consultants within the hospital.
