Press release

As part of Palliative Care Week 2023, All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) is calling on people in [county] to become better informed and to have conversations with friends and family about the benefits of palliative care. The campaign reaches its milestone tenth year this Autumn, and will take place from 10 to 16 September.

Palliative Care Week 2023 aims to educate people across the island of Ireland about the positive impact that palliative care can have on quality of life and to encourage them to learn more about the services available, should they need them in the future.

This year’s theme is ‘Palliative Care: Living for today, Planning for tomorrow.’

It reflects the commitment of AIIHPC and its member organisations to improving the quality of life of people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Karen Charnley, AIIHPC Director, said:

“This year’s theme of ‘Living for today, Planning for tomorrow’ was chosen because we wanted to emphasise how palliative care enables people to have a good quality of life in the here and now, while also providing them with assurance and comfort around their future.

“It’s important to remember that palliative care is available to people at all stages of illness, as well as people of all ages. There’s a common misconception that palliative care is only associated with end of life care, but really it’s about improving a person’s day to day life from the time of diagnosis. It’s about supporting them to do some of the things that they enjoy; be it hobbies or simply spending time with loved ones.”

“Most of us will have known someone throughout our lives who has availed of palliative care. These shared experiences are the reason why this year for Palliative Care Week we want to connect with as many people as possible in [county] and help them to be better informed about all aspects of palliative care.”

Fintan Fagan, Chief Executive Officer, St Francis Hospice, Dublin and Chair of AIIHPC added,

“Palliative Care Week presents us with a vital opportunity to share information about palliative care, and the range of supports that are available. It is so important for people to talk about palliative care, whether it is something they or a family member may benefit from presently or something that may be needed in the future, and to ask for information about their local services should they need to.”

For those with an interest in promoting a better understanding of palliative care:

  • Download the leaflet, poster and other resources from Campaign Resources – The Palliative Hub and share with your family, friends, colleagues, your local groups, or your online community.
  • Talk to your family and share your wishes in the event that you have palliative care needs in the future, and encourage others to do the same.
  • Share your own palliative care experience story on social media during Palliative Care Week 2023 using #pallcareweek10.

AIIHPC is encouraging people to get informed and to share this information with their family and friends, and any local groups they are in, during Palliative Care Week 2023.

Any groups or individuals wishing to obtain leaflets and/or posters can contact AIIHPC by calling +353 1 4912948 or by emailing info@aiihpc.org.

-ENDS-

For further information or to request a spokesperson for interview, contact: 

Robyn Keleghan on + 353 85 800 1275 or Aileen Gaskin on +353 87 772 4717

Notes to Editors:

All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) is a collaborative of hospices, health and social care organisations, universities and charities on the island of Ireland. AIIHPC advances education, research and practice to improve the palliative care experience of people with life-limiting conditions and their families.

AIIHPC works with a group of visionary partners who recognise the value of working together to achieve a better, richer experience of palliative care for people with life-limiting conditions. The organisation’s 26 partners (15 Republic of Ireland / 11 Northern Ireland) are:

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Dublin City University

Dublin University Trinity College

Foyle Hospice

Galway Hospice Foundation

Irish Hospice Foundation

Irish Cancer Society

LauraLynn Children’s Hospice

Macmillan Cancer Support

Marie Curie

Marymount University Hospital & Hospice

Milford Care Centre

Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Northern Ireland Hospice

North West Hospice

Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services

Public Health Agency

Queen’s University Belfast

South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust

Southern Health and Social Care Trust

South East Technological University

St. Francis Hospice

University of Galway

Ulster University

University College Dublin

Western Health and Social Care Trust

AIIHPC receives funding from a range of sources including member organisations, the HSE, Public Health Agency, Health Research Board, and Health and Social Care R&D Division, Public Health Agency.