Sir, Clare Mullarkey (letter, June 9) misunderstands the nature of care in Oregon. Hospice and palliative care has not “diminished” since Oregon’s Death With Dignity Act came into effect 12 years ago. On the contrary, access and use of hospice and palliative care has increased. Oregon has one of the highest hospice penetration rates in the US — more than 52 per cent of individuals who die in Oregon do so while receiving hospice care. In fact, the Centre to Advance Palliative Care rated Oregon in the top ten palliative care programs across the US in 2008.
Moreover, the care for the dying in Oregon is provided by highly qualified, licensed, interdisciplinary teams of professionals including physicians, spiritual counsellors, social workers, hospice aides and nurses, all with substantial experience in palliative medicine.
Studies show that doctors’ knowledge, skill and communication with terminally-ill patients have improved since assisted dying became a legal option. Every terminally-ill Oregonian has access to palliative care. That just 401 people in 12 years — about 1 per cent of Oregon deaths — have used the Death With Dignity Act is a testament to the quality of the end of life care available in Oregon.
Deborah Whiting Jaques
Executive Director and CEO
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Oregon Hospice Association