Palliative Care Week is an annual event organised by the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) to raise awareness and deepen public understanding of palliative care, emphasising its profound impact on individuals with life-limiting conditions, their families, and caregivers. This year’s theme, ‘You, Me and Palliative Care,’ highlights the importance of palliative care in creating a network of care and support.
Palliative Care at LauraLynn
At LauraLynn, palliative care is not just a service but a commitment to supporting families through every step of their journey, providing comfort, dignity, and quality of life for children, regardless of how long or short that life may be.
LauraLynn, now in its 13th year, provides symptom management, planned short breaks, emergency and end-of-life care, as well as family supports and bereavement care to children with life-limiting conditions and their family units across Ireland.
Our Model of Care ensures each child receives the right care, at the right time, in the right place. This personalised approach encompasses a wide range of services, including short breaks, symptom management, music therapy, play therapy, and bereavement support. We also offer direct care, family support, and end-of-life care, providing a comprehensive range of supports that address the needs of each child and family member.
This support is provided in our purpose built hospice in Dublin, in hospital, and through our community-based service bringing specialised care and support into family homes.
In 2023, LauraLynn made a significant impact:
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Cared for 310 children and their families
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Provided monthly support for 128 families
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Created a community of care for 575 families
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Offered 1,804 nights of in-hospice care
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Dedicated 50,885 hours of hospice care
Lucy Thompson and her family from Westmeath, who receive care and support from LauraLynn, participated in a video campaign for Palliative Care Week.
Carla, Lucy's mum, shared: “You, Me and Palliative Care means so much to us as a family. We get to spend precious moments here together at LauraLynn, creating special memories to last a lifetime.”
During Palliative Care Week LauraLynn also launched a new LauraLynn Graduate Programme and Bereavement Resource. Find out more here.
