Christina Grebe is the Medical Director of the Salzkammergut Clinic in Vöcklabruck and its palliative care unit. She is Vice President of »Hospiz Österreich,« the umbrella organisation for palliative and hospice care facilities in Austria. In addition, Christina also chairs the hospice association in Upper Austria.

ERSTE Foundation On the website of »Hospiz Österreich,« it says: »Talking about dying has never killed anyone.« Why, then, do we still find it so difficult to talk about death and what could help make these conversations easier?

Christina Grebe It is mainly the fear of our own dying, the awareness of our own mortality, that makes us suppress the topic. Dying is, after all, one of the greatest taboos in society.

It is important to raise awareness of this issue and, above all, to provide factual information. The better informed people are, the less fear they experience. Ideally, this should start at school age, which is why projects such as »Hospiz macht Schule« are so important.

»I believe it is necessary to think about the time when you may become ill and, beyond that, about the period after your own death.«

EF Legal matters such as advance healthcare directives, lasting powers of attorney, or similar arrangements are complex and difficult for many people to navigate. Where can patients or their relatives turn for reliable information and support? And what do you personally consider the most sensible steps to prepare well for the end of life?

CG In principle, you can seek advice from any lawyer or notary, as well as from the patient advocacy service. The video series provided by »Hospiz Österreich« can offer useful initial information and an important introduction to the topic.

I believe it is necessary to think about the time when you may become ill and, beyond that, about the period after your own death. What care options are available to me? Where can this take place? What does my family and my social circle need? Are my loved ones provided for? Therefore, it is essential to seek both legal advice and consult a trusted doctor – particularly regarding advance healthcare directives.

EF You lead the palliative care unit at the Salzkammergut Clinic, and you are responsible for the entire clinic as well. When you look at everyday work in the clinic: Where do you currently see the biggest gaps or unresolved issues in creating greater legal certainty for your staff and colleagues?

CG In principle, Austrian law provides very good protection for doctors in their daily clinical work. We have laws that strengthen patients’ rights and others that regulate therapy at the end of life. What is important here is that both sides receive more information. Lawyers need greater expertise in palliative care, and healthcare staff should acquire more basic knowledge of legal matters. The training videos can make a valuable contribution in this regard.

Header image: Oberösterreichische Gesundheitsholding