Health Minister Terry Lake released the following statement today in recognition of National Hospice Palliative Care Week.

“Palliative and end-of-life care is something that touches all of us.

“Hospice palliative care services, and the compassionate health care professionals who deliver them, help patients and families transition into the final stages of life.

“National Hospice Palliative Care Week runs from May 4 to 10 this year and is an opportunity to recognize the individuals who provide hospice care. It also highlights the need to think about what we would wish for ourselves well before we ever need hospice care.

“Advance care planning is about talking to your loved ones and health care providers so they know the kinds of health-care treatments you wish to receive, or not, if you become incapable of expressing your own wishes.

“There are many options available to British Columbians who want to create an advance care plan. In September 2011, B.C.’s laws were updated, making it easier for British Columbians to make their wishes and instructions known without visiting a lawyer or notary public.

“Talking about advance care planning isn’t always easy. It can be hard to know where to start, but no one knows what tomorrow will bring. A serious accident or illness can result in you being incapable of making your own health-care treatment decisions, leaving your loved ones to make difficult decisions for you.

“This is why I encourage all British Columbians to discuss and develop their advanced care plan, and in this process also consider their hospice and palliative care options.”

For more information on advance care planning talk to your health-care provider or visit: www.seniorsbc.ca/legal/healthdecisions/

Media Contacts:

Kristy Anderson
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)