The Ministry of Health is finalising a bill aimed at establishing a comprehensive palliative care system in the country.
The draft legislation, currently under public review, seeks to address a significant gap in healthcare services for patients with life-threatening illnesses.
The bill’s enactment would create the legal framework for palliative care structures, currently almost non-existent in Cyprus due to the absence of relevant laws.
This, in turn, would pave the way for the development of dedicated facilities and services. Additionally, it would expand access to these services beyond the current limitation to cancer patients within the General Healthcare System (GHS).
Improved care for thousands
Thousands of Cypriot patients currently lack access to specialised, holistic palliative care. The new system would offer various options, including specialised hospital units, mobile units, and home care teams.
Services would extend beyond medical treatment, encompassing psychological and other support for patients, caregivers, and families.
Standards
The bill draws on the World Health Organisation’s definition of palliative care, emphasising its role in improving the quality of life for patients and families facing life-threatening illnesses.
It outlines the need for specialised, multidisciplinary teams with at least five members, including doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and potentially other healthcare professionals depending on individual patient needs.
Levels of palliative care
The legislation defines three levels of care:
- Basic Palliative Care: Identifies patients and refers them to specialised services by healthcare professionals trained in palliative care fundamentals.
- General Palliative Care: Provides care for patients with life-threatening illnesses as part of their existing treatment plan.
- Specialised Palliative Care: Offered within dedicated hospices or centres by healthcare professionals exclusively focused on palliative care.
The bill underscores the importance of patient and family collaboration in decision-making regarding care plans. For patients unable to participate, the bill outlines a process for appointing a representative guided by the patient’s wishes.
Home care and special population groups
The bill emphasises the significance of home care services for a large segment of patients. It also addresses the needs of children requiring palliative care and defines specific care considerations for vulnerable populations like the elderly, homeless, and migrants.
