Psyence Biomedical has initiated the first clinical trial site in Australia for its Phase IIb study exploring the potential of psilocybin as a treatment for Adjustment Disorder in palliative care patients. The trial, conducted in partnership with Fluence and iNGENū CRO, aims to assess the efficacy of Psyence’s naturally sourced psilocybin drug, PEX010, and could pave the way for a pivotal Phase III program.
A hospice nurse shares her insights on the dying process, breaking down the stages into understandable steps to help families understand what to expect and reduce fear. This guide provides a realistic perspective on death, dispelling common misconceptions perpetuated by media and offering clarity for loved ones during a difficult time.
Isabel Veloso, a 17-year-old influencer who previously battled terminal cancer, surprised her 3 million Instagram followers with a pregnancy announcement on Father’s Day. The news comes after she achieved remission in November 2023, only to have the cancer return more aggressively three months later. Doctors have recommended palliative care for Isabel.
In recognition of the growing need for elderly care, the federal government and the province of Alberta have joined forces to provide $627 million in funding over the next five years. This investment aims to enhance home care initiatives, improving access to palliative care, and supporting caregivers to ensure seniors can age with dignity and independence in their own communities. The funding will also be directed towards continuing care home initiatives, enhancing quality of life and expanding workforce training and mental health support.
Northumberland Hills Hospital has launched a new palliative and supportive care division and appointed Dr. Francesco Mulé as its head of service. The division will build upon the hospital’s existing six-bed palliative care unit and aims to provide comprehensive end-of-life care and pain management for patients and families. Dr. Mulé, who has been with the hospital since 2011, will leverage his experience in emergency medicine and palliative care to enhance the new division’s services. The hospital will also establish a Palliative and Supportive Care Quality Practice Committee (QPC) to ensure transparency and structure in reporting on palliative care services.
Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, has changed his stance on assisted dying, now supporting calls for law reform to allow terminally ill people to request medical assistance to die with dignity. His shift in perspective was prompted by witnessing the suffering of individuals in their final days. While the Church of England remains opposed, Lord Carey believes that the law has failed those in need of mercy and that it is compassionately necessary to address their pleas for peace and dignity at the end of their lives.
Laura Christensen, Director of Education at St. Croix Hospice, has been named an inaugural member of the 2024 Memory Care Innovation Awards in the Hospice & Palliative Care category. This award recognizes healthcare leaders who advocate for individuals with memory-related disorders and contribute to the advancement of cognitive care delivery. Christensen’s contributions include launching and leading the North Star Dementia Program at St. Croix Hospice, which provides highly specialized training to hospice care teams. The success of the program has positioned St. Croix Hospice as experts in memory care, and Christensen’s work has benefited over 11,000 patients with dementia.
As we approach the inevitable, dreams play a profound role in shaping our end-of-life experiences. According to palliative care physician Dr. Christopher Kerr, these dreams offer solace and validation, helping us reconcile regrets, forgive ourselves and others, and ultimately embrace the unknown.
