Number of young palliative care patients on the rise in Luxembourg

Dhur underlined the importance of preparing for the eventuality of an accident or severe illness and addressing these issues with relatives. People should think about what they want to happen if they are no longer able to take decisions, same as they should know what their close ones desire, ideally setting up a patient's provision.

Number of young patients has increased

In 2022, Omega 90 carried out 4,400 consultations, provided 1,100 people with psychological support, and treated 130 patients in its own palliative facility.

While the non-profit receives financial support from several ministries as well as the National Health Fund (CNS), Dhur stressed that they still depend on further donations. 73 volunteers, without whom the organisation could not function, and 62 employees run Omega 90.

Volunteers who carry out terminal care first have to complete 160 hours of training in a year before being able to accompany a person's final steps.

Although the non-profit used to primarily treat elderly people, the rate of young people using their services is on the rise, said Dhur. She links this trend to the growing number of cancer patients who seek out their support.

Last year, 87.5% of Omega 90 patients had cancer, lung cancer in particular having experienced a year-on-year increase from 20 to 34. Dhur speculated that this might have to do with their more therapy-resistant symptoms.

Patients do not need doctors' referrals to receive care from Omega 90 - instead, patients can register a request with the organisation themselves. Dhur said they often have to clarify that the structure offers palliative care, rather than rehabilitation.

Adults should appoint a "person of trust"

Euthanasia is a regular topic among patients. As a rule, Omega 90 offers palliative care, while euthanasia occurs between two and four times a year. In general, Dhur says she encourages further discussion around euthanasia for children or dementia patients, while the law should be regularly updated to suit society's needs.

The organisation is fronting an appeal for the government to create a legal framework clarifying who is entitled to receive palliative care. Although there is official advice on the topic, it is not yet determined by law.

In addition, Dhur says every adult over 18 in Luxembourg should appoint a "person of trust" to act in their best interests in the event of serious or terminal illness. The role of a trustee was defined in accordance with two laws dating from 2009 on palliative care and euthanasia, but most people are either not aware of this option or have yet to appoint someone. Dhur says the trustee should be specified in a person's medical records, for example, in the "MyGuichet" shared care file.

Interview in Luxembourgish