NLIS 3
May 8, 2000
(Health and Community Services)

National Palliative Care Week

"This week, as palliative care professionals are being recognized across Canada, I would like to draw attention specifically to the dedicated professionals, caregivers and volunteers who provide hospice palliative care in our province," said Minister Grimes. "I would also like to commend the Newfoundland and Labrador Palliative Care Association, the Canadian Palliative Care Association and its affiliates for the work they perform to ensure the comfort and dignity of the terminally ill and their families."

Palliative care is something everyone may need at a time of their lives but, it is also something that very few wish to think or talk about. It recognizes the need to offer physical pain/symptom relief, and emotional and spiritual support to the terminally ill person and the family. Palliative care includes the person and the family in planning treatment and care so that they can make choices based on knowledge and understanding. Members of a diverse team that includes physicians, nurses, social workers, home care planners, spiritual counselors, volunteers, and other therapists provide this important and necessary care.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Palliative Care Association (NLPCA) is a provincial association which represents those members involved in palliative service, research, and education. It also promotes palliative care in collaboration with individuals, organizations, and government. The NLPCA has joint membership with the Canadian Palliative Care Association which is a national association providing leadership in hospice palliative care in Canada.

Media contact: Carl Cooper, Director of Communications (709) 729-1377.

2000 05 08                                       2:10 p.m.