More palliative care volunteers for NSW

While launching Palliative Care Week at NSW Parliament House, Health Minister Jillian Skinner praised the support volunteers gave to terminally ill people and their loved ones.

“The NSW Government recognises the vital role of volunteers in providing palliative care services to patients who are dying, their families and carers,” Mrs Skinner said.

“This personal care could include practical assistance, respite for carers or companionship - making it more likely a person will die at home if that is their wish.”

In September, Mrs Skinner announced the roll-out of $35 million in community-based palliative care services across NSW - a cornerstone of the NSW Government plan to increase access to palliative care 2012-2016.

The $35 million suite of community-based palliative care initiatives includes;

• support packages for people dying at home,
• support services for dying children and their families, and
• after-hours telephone support service.

Mrs Skinner said the Government was determined to provide real choice for palliative care patients by allowing them the support to die at home if they wanted.

“While 70% of Australians say they want to die at home, only 16% do. Over half die in hospitals,” Mrs Skinner said.