Western Trust's Palliative Care Week 2025: ‘Living for Today, Planning for Tomorrow'

Once again the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) is supporting this year’s annual Palliative Care Week which takes place from September 7 to 13 and is facilitated by the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC).The theme this year is ‘Living for Today, Planning for Tomorrow’.

Every year, Palliative Care Week provides us with a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of palliative care and the palliative care approach which includes caring for the physical, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing with the aim to improve or maintain quality of life. A palliative care approach is beneficial for anyone with a non-curable illness, regardless of age or condition and also supports their family, friends and carer’s both during illness and afterwards. For some, this approach will start early on and can continue over a number of years, not just the weeks and days approaching the end of life.

This year’s theme focuses on planning ahead and the importance and benefits of doing so. Many people think they do not need to make decisions about their future care unless they are diagnosed with a serious illness. This is very often the case but proactive planning ahead is something we all should consider at any stage in our lives. By planning ahead we can take more control of what is important to us and how we can communicate this to others.

Bernie McCafferty, Assistant Director for Intermediate Care and Rehabilitation, Western Trust said: “This year’s theme of ‘Living for Today, Planning for Tomorrow’ is about urging everyone to take a moment to consider the benefits of planning ahead and how this can proactively support us now and into the future.

“None of us can know for sure that we will always be able to make our own decisions about our futures or care. If you suddenly became very ill, you may be unable to make choices. If you plan in advance and share your plans with loved ones or health care providers, there is more chance your care will be right for you”.

With this year’s theme in mind, we want to encourage conversations about advance care planning among families, communities and health care providers.

Emma King, Macmillian Specialist Palliative Care Team Manager with the Western Trust added: “I have witnessed the huge benefits of planning ahead and the peace of mind it can give an individual and those close to them by putting plans in place. She added “there are several ways you can plan ahead such as writing a will, outlining wishes for your care, appointing someone you trust to make decisions about property or finances if you are no longer able (Enduring power of attorney), making sure people know where and how you would like to be cared for and what particular preferences and wishes you may have. It is so important that once you have made your plans that you share these with loved ones and/or health care providers so everyone involved is aware”

A valuable resource is available to further guide you with planning ahead ‘Your life, Your Choices, Plan ahead on the Western Trust website.

The Trust’s Specialist Palliative Care Teams will be holding information stands and attending events in conjunction with our community partnerships throughout the Trust area for anyone who would like to come and speak to one of our palliative care professionals:

Monday 8 September:

Enniskillen Cancer Focus Centre, in partnership with Cancer Focus NI, an information event about Advance Care Planning at 11am -12.30pm

Altnagelvin Hospital, Main North Wing Entrance 2- 4pm Information Stand ‘Your Life Your choices’.

Tuesday 9 September:

Death Positive Library NI Launch, Waterside Library in conjunction with Compassionate Communities NI.

Wednesday 10 September:

South West Acute Hospital Main Foyer – 2pm -4pm, Information stand.

Death Positive Library NI Launch, Strabane Library.

Thursday 11^th September:

Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex – 2-4pm with Palliative Care Facilitators.