A booklet was produced in June 2009 in Luxembourg explaining the new law that was passed on 16th March, relating to palliative care and end of life care and support, which is renowned from the law on euthanasia and assisted suicide. Information and documentation are being produced under the leadership of the National Commission on audit and evaluation set up to oversee the implementation of the law on euthanasia and assisted suicide of terminal or serious and incurable diseases.

So what exactly is palliative care? The recent law states that palliative care is the active, continuous coordinated, practice by a multidisciplinary team that respects the dignity of the patient. The goal is to treat physical, mental and spiritual needs of the patient and support their family. This includes the treatment of pain and psychological suffering.

This booklet now lays down a coherent legal framework for this very delicate subject . In simpleterms it can be explained for patients in advanced stages of a terminal or serious and incurable diseases, the main principles of the act permits:

- Access to palliative care for dying person

- The right of a doctor to refuse or implement inappropriate examination and treatment

- The obligation of medical treatment to effectively relieve physical and psychological pain

- The possibility to inform in advance the wish to end of his/her life

- The provision of a substance to end life.

This act came into force on 1st April, with certain exceptions.

The aim of this "Guide to Palliative Care" is to explain the basic principles and key provisions of the law relating to palliative care, the advance directive and support purposes only. It also summarises the various possibilities that already exist or are under development.

To obtain the booklet or for more information, contact Omega 90 (Association luxembourgeoise de soins palliatifs et d‘accompagnement de personnes en fin de vie et en deuil)

138, rue Adolphe Fischer
L-1521 Luxembourg
Tel: 29 77 89-1
Email: omega90@pt.lu
www.omega90.lu


The booklet is currently only available  in French.  To download it: Click here