World hospice and palliative care news roundup – 23 March 2016

“It just staggers me that we’d be in a country where it’s possible to get the legal right to die but not the legal right to have quality end-of-life with your family and loved ones”

Canada – The North Bay Nugget

A Toronto man made history last week when he became the first person in Ontario granted the legal right to die with the help of a physician.

End of Life Planning: An Idea Whose Time Has Come?

US – Inside Sources

Far too many people reach their advanced years without planning for how they want their lives to end. The result too often is needless suffering, reduced dignity and autonomy, and agonizing decisions for family members.

Palliative care: little lives deserve more support

Ireland – Irish Times

Children’s palliative care is still in its infancy, but families are beginning to get the help they need.

Palliative Nursing Conference 2016 in Finland

Finland – Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network

A Palliative Nursing Conference is being organized for the first time in Helsinki, Finland August 23rd – 26th 2016. The themes of the conference span the following complex issues: Patient and family at the centre of Palliative care; Encounter, grief and empowerment; Developing and innovations; Quality and evaluation.

Palliative Care for Cirrhosis

UK – Medscape

A UK Survey of Health Professionals’ Perceptions, Current Practice and Future Needs.

Charities call on Scottish parties to commit to better care for seriously ill children and young people

ehospice International Children’s edition

Both Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) and Together for Short Lives have published documents which call for parties in the Scottish parliament to include commitments to improving palliative care for children and young people in their election manifestos.

Haven House extends music therapy services thanks to a grant from Amy Winehouse Foundation

ehospice UK

The Amy Winehouse Foundation has awarded Haven House Children’s Hospice a grant of £14,000 which will enable the hospice to provide music therapy services five days a week from later this year.