Learning about palliative care can means access to better services when needed

Hunter New England Health is celebrating Palliative Care Week (20-27 May) with a number of initiatives in an effort to promote a better understanding of palliative care.

The theme of the initiatives is ‘Making a difference … to someone with a terminal illness’.

Hunter New England Health’s project officer for the Gwydir Shire Palliative Care Partnerships Project, Angela Stones, said that while terminal illness and death are a part of life and will touch us all in some way, it’s a subject that many would rather not know or talk about.

“Unfortunately, not-knowing also correlates with poor access to available services and poorer outcomes for the patient, families and caregivers.

“Knowing about illness and dying, and knowing the right questions to ask about the care and support available – known as palliative care – is the key to the best care when it is needed,” she said.

In honour of Palliative Care Week, Angela spoke with members of the Myall Creek CWA on Monday 21 May about the importance of Advanced Care Planning for all people.

She said Advanced Care Planning is talking to loved ones about what sort of treatment you would like to have if you ever become so ill that you can no longer make your preferences known.

“Planning in advance, takes a lot of the fear out of the future for people who have a deteriorating illness. It also allows cares and medical staff to feel confident that they are providing the care the patient would like,” she said.

Palliative Care Australia president, Professor Margaret O’Connor, said the time had come for all Australians to talk and share experiences with each other – about living well and dying well – in whatever form that takes.

Prof O’Connor said research shows that the majority of Australians have only a poor understanding about palliative care and its benefits for patients, families, friends and community.

She said 20 per cent of Australians say they have never heard of palliative care and a further 20 per cent didn’t understand that palliative care involves support for the families and carers as well as the patient.

Contact: Kay Cope

Phone: (02) 6776 9817