A new report [1] by the Irish Hospice Foundation on “Dying, Death and Bereavement in Ireland” says that as Ireland ages, demand for palliative care is going to increase hugely.
The report says that 350,000 people experience bereavement each year, around 6pc of the population. About 35,000 currently die each year and obviously all of these people have family and friends. As Ireland’s population is ageing rapidly the number of people dying annually is projected jump to almost 50,000 annually by 2046, says the Foundation, creating an urgent need for better planning, services and public awareness in preparation for what is coming..
The number of over-65s is projected to increase from 883,000 now to 1.5 million in 2046.
These changes demand proactive policies and sustained investment to ensure that people at the end of life and their families receive the care, support and dignity they deserve.
The demand for palliative care is obviously rising sharply in tandem with these changes. In 2026, it is estimated that 26,000 people will die from an illness requiring palliative care; by 2046 this is projected to increase by 57pc to over 40,000 people each year. Although palliative services have expanded, significant gaps remain. Some regions, including the Midlands and North-East, still do not have an adult hospice. The report recommends that these services be delivered without further delay, and general palliative care be strengthened across all settings, especially in primary care.
If the number of palliative care places is not increased, what will happen instead? It is likely that far more people will die in pain, perhaps alone, and lacking dignity. This will obviously increase demand for euthanasia. Much better to provide more palliative care instead.