Palliative Care – What it Entails and How the Law May Assist

A first of its kind pro bono project, overseen by the Centre for Pro Bono and Clinical Education in collaboration with the Singapore Hospice Council, concluded its first iteration via a talk held on Wednesday, 9 February over Zoom.

The talk was undertaken by NUS Law students Neo Jin Hong ’22, Tammy Koh Jia Yi ’23 and Kee Yi Wei Justin ’23.  The students were supported by Medical Social Worker Ms Venus Ther from HCA Hospice Care, Ms Sin Huay Tay from the Singapore Hospice Council and Associate Professor Sonita Jeyapathy ’03.

Top row (L to R): Tammy Koh Jia Yi ’23, Kee Yi Wei Justin ’23 and Neo Jin Hong ’22
Bottom row (L to R):  Ms Venus Ther (Medical Social Worker, HCA Hospice Care) Ms Sin Huay Tay (Singapore Hospice Council)

This talk was the final step in a pro bono initiative that began with the students undergoing a Palliative Care Communicator (PCC) Training Course with the Singapore Hospice Council. Having undergone the PCC Training Course the students were equipped to share what they had learned in relation to the importance of palliative care conversations.

Additionally, the students undertook research on the related legal tools, such as Advance Medical Directive and Lasting Power of Attorney. The students were supervised by Associate Professor Sonita Jeyapathy ’03, Deputy Director Centre for Pro Bono and Clinical Legal Education, and Ms Violet Yang, Singapore Hospice Council.

The talk covered communication tips for having conversations regarding palliative care and the importance of talking, planning and acting.

The Living Game is an online game created by the Singapore Hospice Council and is available at game.singaporehospice.org.sg

Attendees of the talk not only learnt about palliative care community resources and associated legal instruments, but also a different perspective that enabled them to start their own conversations on this topic and to make more informed decisions when it comes to themselves and their loved ones.

It is hoped that many more iterations of this talk will occur over the years to come! Please contact the Centre for Pro Bono and Clinical Legal Education at probono@nus.edu.sg for further information.