Arabic version: عائلة تؤسس مؤسسة لتحسين معايير الرعاية التلطيفية

Chris and Deb Brooks have launched the Ryan Bowman Legacy of Care Foundation following the death of their 33-year-old son, Ryan. The foundation aims to promote better end-of-life care in hospitals, particularly in regional areas of South Australia. According to ABC News, Ryan faced numerous health challenges throughout his life, including congenital heart defects and Hodgkin lymphoma. His experience with palliative care during his final hospital stay fell short of expectations, prompting his family to take action.

Ryan was admitted to the Mount Gambier and Districts Health Service on February 15, 2025, for double pneumonia, which quickly transitioned to palliative care as his condition deteriorated. His mother, Deb, expressed disappointment in the care provided, citing instances where medical staff did not respect the family’s wishes or Ryan’s known phobias. An independent review highlighted significant delays in recognizing Ryan’s deteriorating condition and administering pain relief.

In response to these shortcomings, the Brooks family is committed to improving palliative care outcomes for others facing similar challenges. The foundation will initially offer scholarships to healthcare workers in the Limestone Coast region to further their education in palliative care, with plans to expand its reach across South Australia.

Palliative care expert Claudia Virdun emphasized the need for hospitals to enhance their approach to caring for patients with complex, non-curable illnesses. She advocates for more specialized training for healthcare workers to improve patient and family experiences in palliative care settings. The Brooks family hopes that their foundation will contribute to a cultural shift in healthcare, emphasizing compassion and recognition for healthcare providers.