Pandemic had 'immeasurable impact' on dying cancer patients

Cancer patients dying in hospital had 'possible deficits' in holistic care. Picture: Gorodenkoff Productions

Cancer patients dying in hospital during the pandemic experienced “possible deficits” in holistic care linked to restrictions, including inadequate communication and poor pastoral care access, the first review of care of the dying in an Irish hospital has found.

The review, which focused on oncology patients at Cork University Hospital, found challenges for patients, their families, and staff, linked to visiting restrictions necessitated by covid risks and pandemic-related staff shortages.