Communities across the Far West encouraged to learn about Palliative Care

Palliative Care is about quality of life for as long as possible, rather than cure. It is also about ensuring that the care that people receive is in line with their wishes as their illness progresses.

Specialist Palliative Care is provided by a range of health professionals when a person has a life-limiting illness and has care needs that require attention.

Advance Care Planning is thinking about, communicating, and documenting future health care wishes, in case you are unable to speak for yourself.

Far West Local Health District Director Cancer and Palliative Care Services Melissa Cumming, said National Palliative Care Week prompts the nation’s largest annual discussion about matters of life and death.

“In our society, talking about serious illness and death are not topics that people are always comfortable with, however, it’s very important to consider what our wishes are for our future health care if we become very unwell or can’t speak for ourselves,” Ms Cumming said.

To promote the work of palliative care and the importance of advance care planning when considering what is important at the end of life, an information stand will be held in the Broken Hill Hospital Foyer on Wednesday, 14 May from 9am-2pm.

“Members of the public, staff and our partners in health are invited to come and talk with our multidisciplinary palliative care staff members about palliative care or the services we provide.”

Michelle Powell, the district’s Advance Care Planning Officer will also be present to answer questions about advance care planning and advance care directives.

“Having these conversations with our family and health care providers, and documenting our wishes, helps to ensure the care we receive is based on our values and wishes,” Ms Powell said.