Why Palliative Care Isn't a White Flag

Dr Conor Mitchell is a GP partner at Bayview Family Practice in Ballyshannon, GP lead for CHO Sligo South Donegal, and a long-time collaborator with North West Hospice. In this conversation he offers a warm, practical GP's-eye view of palliative care, dismantling the idea that it only belongs at the very end of life. Conor speaks about the dual carriageway of treatment and palliative approach running side by side, the importance of having your GP rather than just any GP, and the four domains of need; medical, psychological, social and spiritual, that a good palliative approach holds. With humour, humility and a deep respect for the families doing the daily work at home, he reminds listeners that palliative care is about living longer, living better, and living the way you want.

Discover The Journey Together, a podcast by North West Hospice Charity. Hear advice, personal stories, guidance and emotional support for patients, families, and caregivers navigating palliative care.

"It's not a white flag. We're on a dual carriageway. On one lane there's palliative care, and on the other there's the treatment you're going through."

"The hardest journey is from the waiting room to the consultation room. Once you go in there to start this journey, every little bit becomes easier."

Guest: Dr Conor Mitchell, GP Partner, Bayview Family Practice, Ballyshannon

Host: Tara Rafter, The Navigation Coach

Show music: #mobygratis @mobygratis

Supported by: Sligo Cancer Support Centre

This podcast is produced by Verver

by ⁠⁠North West Hospice Charity⁠⁠