Ms Paula O'Reilly:

In terms of the conversation to date and some of the cohorts we have spoken about such as older people, the Deputy will see from our submission that older people are the people who unfortunately are most likely to die. Two of our recommendations are key in terms of education and training around end-of-life and bereavement care. Conversations like the one we are having with Dr. Linane on end-of-life care really require healthcare professionals within primary care, and not only specialist palliative care professionals, to be very educated so they are skilled at having those conversations around preparedness and end of life. As for advanced care planning, it is great that we brought in the assisted decision-making Act and that we have the Decision Support Service. Part of the legislation looks at advanced healthcare directives and a register for them. That provides a really good opportunity to look at what discussions and supports people require around end of life and what that broader picture to support people is.