Marymount: Palliative care is about quality of life
Palliative care is not about choosing between hope and realism – it is about balancing both.
That's what Dr Karie Dennehy, Palliative Medicine Consultant in Cork, said as Palliative Care Week continues this week.
She said this approach can transform the lives of patients, restoring dignity and autonomy. For families, it eases fear and builds resilience. For healthcare teams, it ensures care is aligned with what really matters to patients and their loved ones. This year’s theme for Palliative Care Week, Live for today, plan for tomorrow, captures that balance: making the most of life now while preparing wisely for the future.
Dr Karie Dennehy, Palliative Medicine Consultant in Cork (Marymount University Hospital and Hospice/Cork University Hospital/Community Palliative Care Service), said people often misunderstand palliative care.
“When palliative care is mentioned, it can be seen as a signal that nothing more can be done. In fact, there is always something that can be done to enrich a person’s quality of life,” she explained.
“Support can come in many forms – from managing symptoms like pain or breathlessness, to providing emotional support and helping people connect with those most important to them.”
At its core, palliative care helps people maintain control, express what matters to them, and make space for joy, dignity, and comfort – even in the most difficult times.
Dr Dennehy stressed that illness does not devalue the life a person is living today. “Planning ahead for what tomorrow may bring can give peace of mind and allow people to focus on what is enjoyable and meaningful, for however long that may be.”
She acknowledged that patients often feel scared – by their diagnosis, by the idea of palliative care, or by fears of being abandoned. But palliative care is not about giving up, it is about living well. “Clear conversations and planning for the future can give patients a greater sense of control without eliminating hope.”
Dr Dennehy paid tribute to her colleagues: “We meet the bravest of people in our interactions with patients and families. They are the inspiration for so many of us to work in this field, and we feel privileged to do what we do.”
In Cork, palliative care is delivered across various settings. Support is always tailored to individual needs and preferences.
“In Cork, we care for patients in the hospice in Marymount, when needed, but also meet patients in Cork’s hospitals, in outpatient clinic, and in their homes in the community, across the city and county. Where we support patients will depend on their individual needs at any time, and we aim to always tailor this to suit one’s personal needs and preferences.”
“Palliative care is about balancing hope with realism,” Dr Dennehy said. “It helps people live fully, even in the presence of serious illness.”