Released 06/06/2016
Children and their families in need of palliative care services in Canberra will soon have access to a dedicated nurse as part of a $2.1 million investment over the next four years to expand palliative care services in the ACT, said Assistant Minister for Health Meegan Fitzharris today.
“Palliative care is a significant and crucial service provided to those in our community requiring end of life care. It is not just for the elderly, but tragically too often children are in need of these services as well,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“In this year’s Budget the ACT Government will provide a paediatric palliative care nurse to specifically address the needs of children and young adolescents. While children needing treatment for cancer usually go to Sydney, when they return to Canberra having someone there to help support them navigate local services can be vital.
“A dedicated nurse will be able to work closely with the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network to support the delivery of palliative care for children and adolescents in our community, at Clare Holland House and in our hospitals.
“Having met with local families, especially the Wills and the Anthoney families who have been so remarkable in their efforts to raise awareness of childhood brain cancer, I know this funding will be very welcome here in Canberra. In memory of their children, Benny Wills and Dainere Anthoney, they identified a gap that this new service will fill for families who need these services at such a difficult time.”
Funding will be in the Budget to expand existing palliative care services at Canberra Hospital, building on the hospital’s current capacity of palliative care services and providing support to patients and their families and carers for end of life decision making.
New funding will also support palliative care education for health professionals to strengthen their skills in end of life care and support patients to actively make end of life decisions.
“The funding will also improve advice and information on palliative care services and access criteria provided to health care organisations and the community. This will increase awareness, access to services and continuity of care for patients,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“This expansion of our palliative care services is also about ensuring that as Canberra’s population ages and demand for palliative care increases, Canberrans will continue to receive the care and dignity they deserve at the end of their life.
“This initiative continues to build on the ACT’s approach to palliative care, and compliments current Calvary Hospital services of Clare Holland House and home based care,” said Minister Fitzharris.
The expansion of existing palliative care services in this year’s budget is in line with the ACT Palliative Care Services Plan 2013-17. The plan aims to increase palliative care provision at home rather than in hospital settings and support patients to make end of life decisions.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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