St James's Hospital in Dublin has launched a new DVD aimed at informing patients and their families about the palliative care services available to them.

The DVD was created by the specialist palliative care teams at St James's in collaboration with Our Lady's Hospice and Care Services in Harold's Cross.

It features patients, family members and healthcare professionals talking about how palliative care works.

"The main focus of the DVD is to introduce specialist palliative care to patients and families and provide them with accurate information about the specialty of palliative care services.

"Some of the challenges facing patients and families living with serious illness are addressed and explained, to provide greater understanding and total transparency in regard to the treatment and the palliative care service," explained regional director of cancer services, Prof John Reynolds.

Last year alone, the palliative care team at St James's received more than 900 referrals.

Talking about the service, Dr Norma O'Leary, a consultant in palliative care at St James's and Our Lady's Hospice, said that patients can be referred ‘for many reasons and at different points in their disease journey'.

"The overall goal of the specialist palliative care team is to maximise the patient's quality of life and help them to live as well as possible for as long as possible," she explained.

Speaking at the launch of the DVD, Norah Gahan, whose sister Helen used the service after being diagnosed with a tumour, said that the palliative care team were always ready ‘to inform, reassure or console'.

"No stone was left unturned where Helen's needs were concerned. Death is never easy when it comes to a loved one, but the dignity and calmness that surrounded Helen's passing in St. James Hospital helped to ease our pain," Ms Gahan explained.

The DVD is now available to patients and families using these services at St James's and Our Lady's Hospice.