Live well to die well – Supportive and Palliative Care supporting Western Sydney families

A common misconception about palliative care is that it only looks after people in the last days of their life. While this is part of the work, the care extends far beyond that.

Although a person’s palliative care journey can be days or weeks, it can also continue over months and years.

That’s why the service name at Western Sydney Local Health District changed over a decade ago to ‘Supportive and Palliative Care,’ as Dr Sally Greenaway explains.

“This name change is a more accurate reflection of the broad nature of our work,” she said.

“Palliative Care has a lot to do with helping people and their families live well, long before we provide support in those final precious days of life."

Dr Sally Greenaway has been the Director of Supportive and Palliative Care in Western Sydney Local Health District since 2017, a role she describes as a ‘privilege.’ She said the focus for all clinicians in palliative care is patient-centred care.

“Every person and their family are unique, and we aim to ensure the care we offer is centred on what works for them. We know the importance of trust and relationship between clinicians and the person.”

The role of delivering palliative care is a team effort, with doctors, nurses, physical and psychosocial allied health clinicians, spiritual care workers, volunteers, Aboriginal and Cultural workers and service support staff working together to support more than a thousand inpatients and many more in clinics and the community each year.

Oliver Scott is a Clinical Psychologist within Auburn Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit and someone who supports people in palliative care, including those in the final days of their life. His approach is to get to know the patient.

"I like to take the time to sit with patients and reflect on what has mattered to them most in the lives and what parts of their life they are grateful for,” he said.

“This can help patients to reconnect with experiences of warmth and joy and help them to ease any sadness or distress that they might arise during this stage in their life."

Oliver also said that most patients nearing the end of their life express concern for their own loved ones.

“I encourage patients to talk directly with their family and friends and to be open with their concerns, thoughts and wishes. When friends and families understand the concerns that patients hold for the loved ones they will leave behind then the patients and their families can gain peace by working together to prepare for the future of those loved ones.”

Ebony Wicks is a Senior Social Worker at Mount Druitt Hospital’s Supportive and Palliative Care Unit and provides practical support just as much as emotional support.

“I have supported patients and their loved ones with wills, estate planning, funeral arrangements, banking matters and navigating government systems. While some people are able to manage these processes independently, many require additional support during such a vulnerable time.

“My role also extends beyond the patient’s death, providing ongoing assistance to next of kin who may feel overwhelmed by the many administrative responsibilities they face while grieving.”

When possible, Ebony said she also helps patients to reflect on memories and some to have a final wish granted. For one person this was reuniting with her daughter for the last time. For another, it was putting the finishing touches on a vehicle so he could hand it down to his nephew.

It’s moments like this that Ebony remembers most.

“I’m passionate about helping people to die with dignity and provide the support they need at the end of their life.”

An inpatient at Mount Druitt Hospital’s Supportive and Palliative Care Unit, Sabina, said it was the positive attitude of the staff that made the difference to her care.

“The staff are so truly dedicated to their calling; no job too big or too small and all with an attitude of love and real caring,” she said.

Support extends after the death of a person too, with bereavement care offered to family members and friends for 4 to 6 weeks following a death.

Jerushah Connell is the Bereavement Counsellor/Clinical Lead at the District’s Bereavement Service, based at Mount Druitt Supportive and Palliative Care Unit. She says that while universal, bereavement is a unique experience.

“There isn’t a 'one size fits all' approach. It comes down to the needs of the person, because grief impacts people in different ways. For many people, grief can be quite unpredictable.

“Being able to sit alongside people at their lowest moments to help them navigate and make meaning of their loss is such a privilege and at the heart of our work."