Newest Community Palliative Care Volunteers ready
The second cohort of Community Palliative Care Volunteers has completed the 25 hour Induction Training Program with Far West Local Health District to prepare them for volunteering in the Broken Hill community.
Four new volunteers will join the existing Community Palliative Care volunteer team who support palliative care patients. The volunteer team has been doing this since 2018.
Janet Pearce, Community Palliative Care Volunteer Coordinator, said patients living at home who are receiving Specialist Palliative Care Services are eligible for Community Palliative Care Volunteer Services.
'We will match the volunteer and patient to ensure compassionate and person centred support for the patient and their carers to enhance their quality of life,' she said.
'The volunteers are all excellent listeners, warm, empathetic and compassionate people with a strong commitment to volunteering with palliative care services'.
Melissa Cumming, Director Cancer and Palliative Care Services in Far West LHD congratulated the small but dedicated team of volunteers on completion of their training, and offered her thanks to the NSW Ministry of Health for funding the Volunteer Coordinator position that saw this service come to fruition.
'I also wish to thank Janet Pearce for her wonderful work in ensuring this service is grounded on a solid foundation and comprehensive volunteer training,' said Ms Cumming.
For more information about the Palliative Care Volunteer Service or if you are interested in volunteering with Palliative Care, please contact Janet Pearce, Community Palliative Care Volunteer Coordinator on 8080 1733 or by email at janet.pearce@health.nsw.gov.au