Aubrey McCarthy (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have permission to mention a name, although I will not mention the full name. A good friend of mine is facing his last few months of life. Jason's case highlights a critical gap in Ireland's palliative care system, in particular for non-cancer terminal illnesses. His family are struggling to secure clear, co-ordinated care due to a lack of urgent out-of-hours and crisis response palliative services. Despite his complex medical needs, there has been no structured plan to manage his end-of-life care. His transplant and palliative care teams have not provided clarity, leaving his family caught between different services without designated responsibility for his care. This has forced his family, including his wife, Aoife, into a position whereby they cannot bring him home from Naas General Hospital until a proper care plan is in place.

Beyond Jason's personal case, this situation reflects a broader systemic issue. Families face non-cancer terminal illnesses do not have access to the same level of psychosocial and palliative supports as cancer patients. Simple policy changes such as extending the amazing cancer supports that are in place nationwide to all terminal patients could make a profound difference. Addressing this gap is urgent. Jason's family and others in similar situations need immediate and structured palliative care that ensures their dignity, clarity and proper support throughout their journey. Jason is an amazing man who just wants to die at home with dignity, surrounded by his two kids and his wife Aoife. The support should be there to allow this to happen.