Opening their hearts during tough times
Community members are being encouraged to reflect on the people at the heart of palliative care during National Palliative Care Week.
From May 21 to May 27 people are being asked to engage in a national conversation about matters of life and death and the work palliative care teams do across Australia.
Palliative Care Australia chief executive officer Camilla Rowland said this year powerful voices were joining the campaign to inspire and start important conversations.
“The people at the heart of quality palliative care – our workforce and volunteers, have opened their hearts to share the life lessons they learn every day as they provide care and support to people and families living with a life-limiting illness.”
The palliative care team at West Gippsland Healthcare Group are amongst those being recognised.
WGHG director of clinical operations Trish O’Kelly praised the organisation’s palliative care staff and explained the steps the team takes to support those living with a life-limiting or terminal illness.
“Palliative care begins with a comprehensive assessment, leading to individualised care which includes relief of distressing symptoms, necessary equipment, counselling and grief support and links to a variety of other services.
“I would like to share our appreciation for the doctors, nurses, allied health staff, volunteers and the many others who collaborate and work together to provide as much support and comfort as they can for our clients and their families.”
The Amor family recently recognised the WGHG team for its work caring for family member John Amor, who died on April 26, aged 83.
In a show of appreciation, the Amor family presented the team with a gift basket and flowers in April.
John and his wife Jillian moved to Drouin from Blackwood Forest almost 16 years ago to be closer to family.
A couple of years later John was diagnosed with prostate cancer and was told he had only a short time to live. His kidney health also was declining.
Mrs Amor said the WGHG team supported both John and family members throughout their journey.
“They are very knowledgeable and supportive,” she said.
Mr Amor was able to receive injections, blood pressure checks and emotional support from the comfort of his own home.
On April 15 John was admitted to the West Gippsland Hospital with just four per cent kidney function.
His daughter Margaret McDonald said the staff did a good job and provided “peace of mind” to the Amor family.
She said staff members were only ever a call away, and they were well supported emotionally by social workers too.
The palliative care staff provided her father with the information he needed to make informed decisions about his care, Ms McDonald said. “It was very dignified.”
Mrs Amor said she had remained in contact with the staff who continue to check in with her and help her adjust following her husband’s death.