Palliative Care focuses on quality of life for people facing a life limiting illness as well as providing support for their families. It is about helping a person to live comfortably; ensuring their end-of-life planning decisions are documented; their wishes for care are followed; and that they’re cared for in a location of their choice.
In the Far West Local Health District, our multidisciplinary Palliative Care clinicians will be acknowledging the week with several activities aimed at highlighting the service provided to patients, families and communities.
On Thursday 23 May from 9.30am – 2.30pm community members and staff are welcome to come and see the team at the Broken Hill Hospital foyer.
Throughout the day our multidisciplinary team will be available to answer questions, and there will be resources available to help people better understand palliative care. Our FWLHD Advance Care Planning Officer will also be available to answer any questions about advance care planning or advance care directives.
FWLHD Director Cancer and Palliative Care Services for FWLHD Melissa Cumming said:
“National Palliative Care Week is not only a time to promote palliative care in our communities, but also a time to thank the incredible staff working with patients at the end of life across a range of settings. This includes our Specialist Palliative Care Teams, as well as various staff and volunteers working in hospitals, community and multipurpose services, and aged care.
“To have skilled and caring staff and volunteers to support patients and families at a time when they may be facing such uncertainty is incredibly valuable and rewarding work, and I acknowledge and thank them all for their compassionate care,” she said.
