Conference on palliative care: Minister Schumann speaks!

Conference on palliative care: Minister Schumann speaks!

An important press conference on hospice and palliative care in Austria will take place on April 16, 2025. This is the venue for the eventCaritas Hospiceat Erlaaerplatz 4, where from 10 a.m. MinisterKorinna Schumann, city councilorPeter Hackerand Caritas directorKlaus Schwertnercome together. The aim of the press conference is to provide information about current developments and challenges in palliative care.

In the context of the press conference, the role ofmobile palliative teamsof great importance to Caritas. These teams offer holistic palliative support for people with advanced, life-limiting illnesses and their relatives. The care takes place in the patient's familiar environment, usually at home, and includes collaboration with family doctors, nursing staff and social aid organizations.

The offer of the palliative teams

The mobile palliative services team is made up of doctors, qualified health and nursing staff, social workers, physiotherapists and psychotherapists. Offers include palliative relief of physical suffering, advice on ethical and medical decisions, and support on social and financial issues. A 24-hour on-call service ensures comprehensive patient care.

The importance of palliative care is also emphasized by theHOSPIZ AUSTRIA umbrella organizationhighlighted, who published a data report on specialized hospice and palliative care in Austria. The report shows that a total of 357 specialized facilities for adults were available in all federal states in 2020.

The situation during the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a serious impact on hospice and palliative care. Volunteer hospice teams looked after 27% fewer patients than in the previous year, which is due to the contact restrictions. This situation highlights the challenges that palliative care has faced. Despite these difficulties, the number of patients cared for by mobile palliative teams increased by around 6%, while palliative consultation services recorded an increase of around 12%.

A positive development towards the expansion of palliative care is reflected in the opening of a new inpatient hospice in Vienna and a day hospice in Salzburg in 2020. Thanks to everyone who is committed to caring for people in the last phase of life. Exchange and cooperation between different actors are crucial for high-quality hospice and palliative care.

For further information, please contact the Vienna City Hall correspondenceTelephone: 01 4000-81081as well as by emaildr@ma53.wien.gv.atavailable. Further details about the press conference are available at Website of the City of Vienna available.