National Clinical Programme for Palliative Care Model of Care

There is scarcely a conversation about healthcare in Ireland that does not reference the challenges of ageing demographics, constrained resources and constant change. Increasing demands, combined with a sense of urgency, produce an environment that is often complex and pressured. With so many forces at work, it can be difficult to move from a focus on immediate problem-solving to a broader perspective that asks how the healthcare system can be redesigned without damaging its foundations. Nevertheless, National Clinical Programmes aim to do exactly that in its development of Models of Care that optimise health, care and value. Berger wrote in 1972: “We only see what we look at. To look is an act of choice.” This document is reflective of the priority placed in Ireland on palliative care provision. Our country has a long and proud tradition of caring for those with life-limiting conditions, and the publication of the Report of the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care was a seminal moment that marked government commitment to growing and sustaining services begun by communities and voluntary organisations. That commitment was echoed and expanded in 2017 when the ‘Houses of the Oireachtas Committee on the Future of Healthcare “Sláintecare” report’, recommended that universal palliative care should be provided within five years of report implementation. The aim of the Palliative Care Model of Care is that: “Every person with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition can easily access a level of palliative care appropriate to their needs, regardless of care setting or diagnosis, in order to optimise quality of life”. Implementation of the Model of Care has already started, but there remains much yet to do. We are fortunate that Dr Brian Creedon, Consultant Physician in Palliative Medicine, has taken up the role as Clinical Lead and will guide the National Clinical Programme for Palliative Care into the next phase of action. Brian’s experience and skills ideally place him to support cross-organisational and professional change, and I wish him every success in this important role.