The three dioceses of the Balearic Islands presented the document of Advance Directives (ADV), prepared jointly by the three dioceses, with the aim of guaranteeing the rights of people at the end of life.
This is what the Bishop of Majorca declared on Monday, Sebastià Taltavull; that of Menorca, Gerard Villalongaand that of Ibiza and Formentera, Vincent Ribasduring the presentation of the document at the Episcopal Palace.
As explained, people will be able to complete the document before a notary, with three witnesses or at the civil registry. Information on the document will be offered in the bishoprics of the three islands, but they will not serve as witnesses for the signing of the document.
Once the document is registered with the Public Administration, it will remain in the patient’s medical file. In this way, when a person enters a public hospital, health personnel will be able to know if the person has completed the document and thus know their preferences and wishes.
Among other preferences, in the DVA Aspects can be specified such as staying at home or in hospital in the last days of life, whether to end life without technical life support applications, whether or not to be informed of the final diagnosis, or if one wishes to benefit from religious care. spiritual accompaniment.
Also present at the presentation was the delegate of the Ministry of Health of Mallorca, Francesc Carmonawho emphasized that the document is based on the last wishes of the Balearic Government, adapted to those of the Spanish Episcopal Conference (CEE).
The initiative to create this own model, framed within the health humanization project, deepens patient autonomy and the principle of beneficence. It is, as Sebastià Taltavull indicated, a “humanitarian and above all eminently Christian” action.
This document, he continued, is part of the care of the sick, giving them “opportunities so that they can express what their last wishes are, how they wish to be treated and if they wish to have the presence of a priest.
For his part, the Bishop of Menorca stressed the importance of respecting the rights of the Catholic people. “It is very important that there is a document that explicitly reflects what you would like to see respected at the end of life,” added.
With this in mind, the Bishop of Ibiza and Formentera valued the support service provided by the Pastoral Health, offered in residences, day centers, parishes and private homes.
On the other hand, Francesc Carmona emphasized that the advance directives document is also a tool for families and for health personnel who care for a patient.
Likewise, during the presentation, they stressed the importance of “respecting the convictions” of people, as well as leaving their last wishes in writing. “20 years ago it was not necessary, but society has changed and now it is very necessary,” said Vicent Ribas.
