Tynaarlo is going to have research done into the possibility of a hospice in the municipality. This in response to a motion by the CDA and the VVD.
The motion argues for a palliative center where people in their final phase of life are guided by professional healthcare staff. The motion coincides with the national SIRE campaign that calls on people to speak up about death.
‘People want to die at home’
“The municipality of Tynaarlo lacks a place where people can go in their final phase,” Middendorp told Radio Drenthe earlier today. “The desire to be able to die in your own environment is life-size,” he continued. “80 percent of people want to die at home, but only one third of the cases succeed.”
According to Middendorp, a palliative care center, where general practitioners can also go, could offer solace and imitate a homely atmosphere. At the same time, this would give informal carers ‘occasionally time to take a breather’.
‘Not a municipal matter’
The municipality of Tynaarlo will first have research carried out into the usefulness, necessity and feasibility of such a center. It is not yet known which party will conduct that investigation.
Councilor John Franke of Liveable Tynaarlo voted against the motion. He himself suffers from lung cancer and is out of treatment, but says he does not immediately see an urgent need for a hospice. His group argued that the motion was unnecessary and voted against it.
Edwin Hageman of Liberaal Groen Tynaarlo also voted against. He said he did not consider the investigation to be a municipal matter. Despite 6 votes against, the motion was passed and supported by the college.