My father-in-law is 93 years old and is experiencing unimaginable suffering during his final days. He has a grade 4 sacral ulcer that has exposed his spinal column and is living with a giant aortic aneurysm pressing on various organs, causing excruciating pain and severe agitation. Paralysed from the rib cage down, his situation is tantamount to torture. It's a deeply distressing scenario, not only for him but also for our family who struggles to witness his pain without being able to offer immediate relief.

Every time my father-in-law's pain intensifies, it takes hours to obtain authorisation for an increased dose of painkillers, especially difficult during weekends. This delay is intolerable and unnecessary suffering for someone at the end of life. The current guidelines make it extremely difficult for patients and their families to ensure a peaceful and dignified passage.

This is not just our story but a reality for countless families across the country. People in palliative care deserve quick and compassionate access to medications that ease their suffering. More than just a matter of comfort, it's a matter of basic human dignity and compassion.

I urge the healthcare authorities to revise the guidelines on palliative care prescribing. Patients should have guaranteed, prompt access to adequate pain relief and sedatives at appropriate doses. These medications should be readily available to ease their passing, without the excessive red tape that results in unnecessary suffering.

Let's change the system to ensure a more humane approach to end-of-life care, allowing individuals to pass in peace and dignity. Sign this petition to call for an essential change in our healthcare practices, prioritizing the comfort and needs of our loved ones in their final days. Your support could help prevent unbearable suffering and bring dignity back to the dying process. Please see that this change is made, or the agony will remain for too many who are suffering right now and in the future. Sign this petition to stand with those in palliative care and their families.