What is palliative care?
What is it? Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of persons and their families facing the problems associated with a 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, psychosocial, and spiritual.* Who is it for? Palliative care can support anyone living with a life limiting condition, at any stage, not only at end of life. Who provides it? Palliative care can be provided by any healthcare professional. Many people’s needs at end of life can be met with general palliative care; for example from their GP and primary care team. Some individuals with more complex illness (or symptoms) may require Specialist Palliative Care (delivered by professionals who work solely in palliative care, and who have extensive knowledge and skills in this area). These professionals work together/alongside GPs and primary care teams to provide the support and specialist care required for these people.
How many people need palliative care?
In 2026, an estimated 25,669 people will die in Ireland from an illness that has a palliative care need. This number is projected to increase by more than 50% to 40,355 people by the year 2046 5 .
2026 25,669
2046 40,355 (projected +50% increase)
How many people need palliative care?
* https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/ncps/palliative-care/
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Irish Hospice Foundation
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