Hospice Malta warned that the proposed legalisation of voluntary euthanasia could lead to a decline in palliative care services.

Hospice, the nation’s leading palliative care NGO, said that the experience of other countries suggests that once euthanasia is legalised, the quality and investment in palliative care services tends to decline.

“This is deeply concerning. The right response to human suffering is not to shorten life, but to ensure quality of life even during its final stages until its natural end,” Hospice said.

“With appropriate resources, no person should feel that euthanasia is their only option.”

They also said they are in favour of advanced care planning as opposed to a proposed living will, where the emphasis is on discussions with the patient to respect their dignity while avoiding extraordinary measures at the end of life.

Hospice Malta urged the government to focus all its energy and resources into developing and strengthening palliative services, including the provision of 24/7 comprehensive care nationwide.

The NGO said that the physical, psychological and social challenges faced by terminally ill patients can be addressed around the clock through the immediate support of trained professionals and access to the appropriate medication and equipment.

They noted that, in addition to clinical support, families also require medical equipment, carer support and other practical assistance, psychological, social and spiritual support, 24/7 help lines, and companionship.

“Hospice Malta has been providing these services for over 30 years, expanding and introducing services gradually according to the availability of its resources whilst ensuring continuity and sustainability,” they said.

“The ever increasing demand for these services necessitates that all adequate human and financial resources are in place in a timely and consistent manner.”

They pointed out that their current reach is approximately 60% of patients with a diagnosis of cancer who pass away annually, which indicates that many patients may possibly not be requesting and/or receiving the level of care they deserve at the end of life.

They proposed the implementation of the recent national palliative care strategy, greater financial investment, expansion beyond oncology to all limiting illnesses, improved community-based medication access, and more educational efforts.

“The need for further education and awareness of Hospice services is evident,” they said.

“We also believe that Malta’s small geographical size offers a unique advantage. Unlike larger countries, patients in Malta can be more easily reached in their homes, allowing for truly patient-centred care that enables people to remain in their home environment with adequate support.”

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