Raising awareness of palliative care

16 May 2007

Members of the community are invited to attend a National Palliative Care Week Memorial Service in Taree to remember loved ones who have died.

While most health care is aimed at curing illness, the care of people with an incurable illness is an important part of the way Hunter New England Health cares for our community.

Palliative care deals with the control of pain and other symptoms as well as psychological, social and emotional needs of patients and their families.

Clinical Nurse Specialist Judy Aird said National Palliative Care Week is raising awareness of this vital service and the memorial service is an opportunity for carers, family members, the community and healthcare workers to come together to remember loved ones.

“The memorial service is an opportunity for people to express their grief with family and friends, while supporting each other.

“It is also a chance to reflect on the lives and achievements of those who are no longer with us,” Ms Aird said.

The memorial service will be held at the Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens in Taree at 10am on Wednesday 23 May and is open to everyone in the community. A morning tea provided by the Camp Quality Committee will follow the service. A gold coin donation is requested for the morning tea.

Local palliative care services in Taree are delivered by medical, nursing and allied health staff. In most cases, palliative care can be delivered in the comfort of a patient’s home. For more information contact the Palliative Care team at Taree Community Health Centre on 6592 9315.

Further information on palliative care can also be found at www.pallcare.org.au

Contact: Lauren Chiplin

Phone: 4921 4924