Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with an advancing life-threatening illness. The focus of hospice care is person-centred, cherishing the uniqueness and dignity of each person. We affirm life, while integrating the physical, psychosocial and spiritual aspects of care, particular to individual needs.

Palliative care:

  • affirms life and regards dying as a normal process
  • intends neither to hasten or postpone death
  • provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms
  • integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient care
  • offers a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death
  • offers a support system to help the family cope during the patients illness and in their own bereavement.

How is Palliative Care Delivered?

Palliative care is an integral part of the work of most health care professionals and is delivered by multi-disciplinary teams in acute hospitals, primary and community care settings who can access specialist palliative care services when required.

Specialist Palliative Care services are complementary and not a replacement for the care provided by healthcare providers established within the patient’s care.

Marymount University Hospice is the designated specialist palliative care centre for Cork City and County. Our facility is home to a 44 bed inpatient unit, day hospice, out-patient department and community based programme provided by an inter-disciplinary team under the direction of our Consultant Physicians in Palliative Medicine.

Our service supports a dedicated specialist palliative care service in all of the acute hospitals across the region, working in close liaison with established medical services existing within the acute setting and across the community.

Our interdisciplinary team comprises:

  • Nursing
  • Medicine
  • Bereavement and Family Support
  • Pharmacy
  • Administration
  • Physiotherapy
  • Support Services
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