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Irish Hospice Foundation
Toolkit for Compassionate End-of-Life Care
Considerations for infection control e infection prevention and control procedures that are necessary in healthcare settings to reduce the transmission of infections and viruses (such as COVID-19 and others) can unfortunately negatively impact on the experience of end-of-life care. is is a difficult situation for everyone to be in. It is important to acknowledge these feelings and offer comfort and reassurance. Having clear communication channels to provide information and respond to queries is vital. is is particularly important if visiting restrictions are in place. Refer to your local PPPG (Policies, Procedures, Protocols, Guidelines) for more information. HPSC and HSE guidance supports visiting to be facilitated for end-of-life care situations. For current guidance on infection prevention and control and visiting, see www.hpsc.ie IHF strongly recommends that priority be given to enabling visiting for patients and residents who are receiving end-of-life care. ere needs to be clear communication of the reasons for any visiting restrictions and what alternative arrangements have been put in place so that important social connections are maintained. Visiting should be supported and enabled as much as possible by staff. e use of a Visitor Pass can enable hospital security to know that visitors are attending a person who is receiving end-of-life care. is limits the need for visitors to explain why they are visiting the hospital to different members of staff. Supporting a person who is actively dying • Is it possible to enable visitors to be present? HPSC and HSE guidance supports visiting to be facilitated for end-of-life care situations . • If not, can it be arranged for a member of staff to be with the person at all times so they don’t die alone? • Your presence is so important at this time. Sit by the person’s bed and offer a calming presence. Sometimes simply being there breathing with them can be soothing. • Reduce noise and use dim lighting if possible. • In the absence of friends and relatives and pastoral care, providing spiritual and psychosocial support is more important than ever. Remember that spirituality may not necessarily mean religion. Where a person does require support with their faith or religion, it is important to consider how you can provide this. You may be able to facilitate virtual pastoral care via a video call.
Care of the Dying Person 4
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