Mayo University Hospital develops new End of Life Policy focused on dignity, choice and compassionate care

Mayo University Hospital (MUH) has developed a new End of Life Policy which aims to support the delivery of consistent and compassionate care for patients and their families.

The new policy was developed as part of the hospitals ongoing work to improve end-of-life care and the launch coincides with Palliative Care Week, which takes place from the 6th to the 12th of September.

The policy has been developed over the past year by the members of the MUH End of Life committee and staff from across the hospital and reflects the national standards for end-of-life care and the Hospice Friendly Hospitals (HFH) Quality Standards.

For patients, the aim is to ensure that appropriate quality care is provided consistently and that their wishes and choices are respected. The policy places a strong emphasis on dignity, comfort, privacy and compassion, both at the end of life and after death while also respecting spiritual and religious traditions.

For staff, the policy will provide guidance, education and support to help them deliver compassionate and high quality end-of-life care.

Caroline Conway, Nurse Practice Development Coordinator at MUH said, “The policy has been developed to ensure patients receive the best possible end of life care and also provide staff with the education and support they need to deliver compassionate care.”

Aislinn Lyons, Registered Children’s Nurse and End of Life Champion on the MUH children’s ward said, “Our child centred approach will ensure that children are comfortable and supported while giving families the care they need at an incredibly difficult time.”

Speaking about the policy Cathriona O’Mahony, Hospital Chaplain said, “This new policy builds on the previous work to support consistent, quality care and reminds us of the importance of listening to patients, respecting their wishes and supporting their families.”

Colette Lenaghan, ICU Nurse and End of Life Ward Champion said, “The policy was developed by a multidisciplinary group looking at the whole patient and family journey. It was a privilege to contribute to the work and I look forward to supporting its implementation.”

Catherine Donohoe, Hospital Manager at Mayo University Hospital added, “I really welcome this policy and congratulate those who worked on it. Caring for a person at the end of their life is a privilege that only a small portion of society have. It is critical that we ensure it is the best possible experience for the patient and their loved ones. As hospital manager, I need to support my staff delivering this care with evidence based guidance and I believe this policy does this.”