Colmar. End of life: "It is rare that we are expressly asked to die"

Colmar is home to one of six palliative care units in Alsace, specializing in supporting patients who are no longer able to recover. Caregivers there have noted that the end of life is more complex than a simple desire to die and are concerned about the consequences of the bill currently being debated in the National Assembly.

"Palliative care was born in reaction to certain euthanasia practices and as a revolt against the abandonment of the dying," explains Dr. Olivier Giet, head of the palliative medicine department at the Colmar Civil Hospitals. Photo: Nicolas Pinot

The palliative care unit (PCU) is a short-stay unit reserved for the most complex cases. Once relieved and stabilized, approximately half of the patients return home or to their original ward after fifteen days to three weeks of hospitalization. Contrary to popular belief, death is not necessarily on the horizon when you enter this ward.

"Palliative care was born in reaction to certain euthanasia practices and as a revolt against the abandonment of the dying. This specialty was first developed to support patients with cancer and AIDS, and then with any serious and incurable illness. It's about caring for, relieving, and responding to the suffering of those who can no longer be cured. It's an honor for us to do so," emphasizes Dr. Olivier Giet, head of the palliative medicine department at...

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