Senator pays tribute to Naas man Jason Power

SENATOR Aubrey McCarthy paid tribute to a close friend who recently passed away at the Seanad last week.

Speaking about the late Jason Power, who he described as a good friend, the Senator recalled Jason’s decade-long journey of recovery from addiction and trauma.

“Jason turned his life around and had ten years of sobriety,” he said, noting the challenges Jason faced with ongoing health issues.

Jason Power sadly passed away Friday, June 18. Aubrey shared that Jason had been in and out of hospital during his final months, bravely battling deteriorating health.

In a critique of the healthcare system, the Senator highlighted a gap in services. Jason, not having a cancer diagnosis, was not eligible for palliative care services. This placed undue strain on Jason’s family as he required hospital-based care instead.

However, the Senator also offered strong praise for the final care Jason received at Naas Hospital, in the HSE’s Solas Room.

“The staff there were tremendous. I cannot overstate the care they gave and the kindness and professionalism they showed.”

He extended particular gratitude to the hospital staff who provided comfort to Jason and his loved ones in his final hours.

While renewing his call for reform in end-of-life care, the Senator said Jason’s experience reflected “what compassionate healthcare looks like when it works at its best.”

He closed his tribute with heartfelt message to Jason’s family: “Our deepest sympathies are with them. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”