General News
25 May, 2023
National Palliative Care Week aiming to raise awareness
If you or a loved one are given news of a life-limiting illness, or terminal diagnosis, there is dedicated support available from Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS). “Our team of palliative care nurses supports people and their families...
If you or a loved one are given news of a life-limiting illness, or terminal diagnosis, there is dedicated support available from Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS).
“Our team of palliative care nurses supports people and their families, sometimes over years,” associate director of Community Services Robyn Jordan said.
“We offer client-centred, holistic care, provide guidance for making decisions around care planning, medications and services which improve quality of life.”
Ms Jordan said providing end of life support in the community was an important part of the local health service’s role.
“It is through our team’s work that families are able to cherish the last days with their loved ones and patients can pass away at home, if that’s what they choose,” she said.
“Ultimately, we want people who are reaching the end of their life to receive as much support as parents welcoming a new baby.”
This week is National Palliative Care Week, which runs through to May 27, with this year’s theme Matters of Life and Death.
District and palliative care nurse Ann Maree Jones has been a nurse at MDHS for more than 30 years, with much of that time spent supporting patients through palliative care.
“I feel privileged in helping people to remain at home throughout their illness supporting family and friends with their care,” she said.
“Listening to people is very important, I’ve learnt to stay calm, even when it’s highly emotional and be there for people.
“We work closely with the local general practitioners and allied health services.”
The national week aims to raise awareness about palliative care, increase understanding of its services and recognise the palliative care workforce which Ms Jordan said was important.
“It’s a time to recognise our amazing nurses like Ann Maree, physiotherapists, social workers, occupational therapists, dietitians, speech pathologists, social welfare workers and others who contribute to the holistic approach which is at the heart of palliative care at MDHS,” she said.
“Ann Maree has an incredible ability to connect with families in a time of vulnerability and sadness. Her kindness and accepting nature of all situations enables her to deliver compassionate and com-forting care.
“To gain the most benefit from the support available, we encourage people to reach out to our service as soon as possible following a diagnosis.”
Anyone can make a referral to Community Palliative Care. You can call a palliative care nurse at MDHS on 5461-0333 to discuss your needs