Palliative Care Week
19 May 2010
If only I knew … who wants to talk about dying is the theme of Palliative Care Week, which aims to increase public awareness and give people the opportunity to learn more about palliative care, loss and grief.
Lower Mid North Coast Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Consultant Anne Davis, said while most health care is aimed at curing illness, the care of people with an incurable illness is an important part of how Hunter New England Health cares for local communities.
Ms Davis said palliative care provides care for people of all ages who have a life limiting illness and where cure is no longer an option.
“The primary treatment is relieving symptoms and maximising quality of life. Palliative care also embraces the care of family and friends in coping with the distress and emotions that occur when a loved one has a terminal illness,” Ms Davis said.
It’s important for people who are receiving palliative care to ask as many questions as they can, as patients are an important partner in planning their care and managing their illness.
“When people are well informed and can talk openly with health professionals they can help to make their care planning as effective as possible.”
Anne acknowledges that while palliative care staff provide medical and emotional support, the most significant caring role is actually provided by family, friends and carers of palliative patients.
“Knowing what to say to people with a terminal illness, or what you can do to assist can be quite difficult at times. Being willing to share the journey with patients, to offer support in whatever way you can - will let them know that you feel for them.
“Understand that you can make a difference by offering your support, showing your respect, following the patient’s lead and asking how you can help. Friendship can prevent isolation. Don’t worry that you’ll say the wrong thing or that you’ll get emotional, just be there to talk and importantly, to listen,” Ms Davis said.
In the Lower Mid North Coast region, palliative care is delivered by coordinated medical, nursing and allied health services, which in many cases are provided in community settings. Palliative care also offers support to family and friends of palliative care patients in their bereavement, with specific support from a designated Bereavement Counsellor.
People are able to access Community Palliative Care services through their local doctor or by contacting their nearest Community Health Centre.
Great Lakes Hospice will hold a trivia night for Palliative Care Week on Friday 28 May 2010 at Holy Name School from 7pm.
Community members are invited to attend a memorial service to remember those who have died and the impact their death has had on others.
Two memorial services will be held in the Lower Mid North Coast region.
• Taree Memorial Service on Wednesday 26 May 2010 from 10am at Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens, Pampoolah.
• Forster Memorial Service on Wednesday 26 May 2010 from 2pm at the Uniting Church corner of Bent and South Streets, Forster. 19 May 2010
Contact: Janelle Kelly
Phone: 49392602