Next week is National Palliative Care Week (19 – 25 May), and Healthy North Coast is hosting local events for both community members and health professionals to celebrate palliative caregivers and raise awareness of palliative care in the region.
Palliative care focuses on the physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of people with a life-limiting illness, allowing them to live as well and as comfortably as possible. It is a service deeply rooted in compassion and empathy, making a profound difference in the lives of those it touches.
As outlined in the Healthy North Coast Healthy Ageing Strategy 2023-2027, the Mid North Coast and Northern NSW’s ageing population, and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, will lead to an increased demand for palliative care and end-of-life services.
Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler outlined the importance of demystifying palliative care in the community:
“Often there is a stigma around palliative care because of the perceived associations with death. But it doesn’t have to be a scary topic. The sooner we start having these conversations openly and early with our loved ones, the more empowered people will be to make informed decisions and receive the support they need,” said Ms Wheeler.
“In the end…what matters most to you?
“The Community Conversations that we’re running this week are a wonderful opportunity for people to learn more, in a friendly and comfortable environment, about the services and community supports available for ageing, loss, dying and grief.”
Central to quality palliative care on the North Coast is the ‘Greater Choice at Home’ Palliative Care Program, developed by Healthy North Coast in partnership with a range of stakeholders, which aims to enhance the provision of supportive palliative and end-of-life care for people in our region.
Dr Andy Williams, GP and Medical Educator at Healthy North Coast, spoke of National Palliative Care Week being a great opportunity to celebrate the community of local health practitioners who provide care in this area:
“It’s all about celebrating people at the heart of the palliative care workforce. This gives us a great opportunity to provide a deeper understanding of what palliative care is, as well as have some conversations about navigating care in practice,” explained Dr Williams.
“We invite anyone who works in palliative care, or ANY healthcare or residential aged care professional wanting a better understanding of the topic, to join us for a webinar introducing National Palliative Care Week on the North Coast of NSW."
During the week, Healthy North Coast will be hosting a series of ‘Community Conversations’ in collaboration with Palliative Care NSW and both the Mid North Coast and Northern NSW Local Health District palliative care teams. Local palliative care experts will provide information and resources to help us all think about what’s important to live a full and comfortable life, right to the very end. Topics covered will include navigating end-of-life matters, dying as being a normal part of life, myth-busting, and advance care planning.
These sessions are a safe and friendly space to have the conversation, learn from others, and ask questions about the decisions that matter most to you and your loved ones. Refreshments and free resources are provided.
- South Tweed, Monday 20 May, 9-11am
- Yamba, Monday 20 May, 2-4pm
- Bellingen, Tuesday 21 May, 9-11am
- Port Macquarie, Tuesday 21 May, 2-4pm
There will also be an ‘Introduction to National Palliative Care Week on the North Coast of NSW’ webinar primarily aimed at health workers, but also open to community members, who would like to know more about how to best navigate end-of-life journeys. Kirsty Blades, CEO of Palliative Care NSW, will be a guest speaker talking about myth-busting palliative care within the community.
For more information on palliative care, visit Healthy North Coast’s website.
