Approach to palliative care awarded
Aged care provider McKenzie Aged Care has been announced as a winner for Integration and Partnership at the Primary Care Excellence Awards 2017.
McKenzie Aged Care Group came out on top at the Primary Care Excellence Awards 2017 (Source: McKenzie Aged Care Group)
Hosted by the North Coast Primary Health Network, the awards acknowledged industry excellence across eight categories, which were awarded at a Gala Dinner, and saw 55 submissions, from which 14 finalists were selected – including McKenzie’s Heritage Lodge in Murwillumbah.
The aged care facility has been working very closely with Decision Assist linkages, which created the award-winning Decision Assist Linkages Program, to ensure the best possible palliative support for it’s residents.
This has resulted in what project manager and Registered Nurse Supervisor Helen Bolt is calling a more “inclusive approach that is already being appreciated by all at Heritage Lodge who need palliative care, as well as their families”.
“[The program’s] success can be measured by the many conversations that are now taking place about palliative care options – these involve the residents, their families, the GPs and care staff,” she says.
“Like all McKenzie aged care communities, we are family run, so we know what a sensitive time this is in everyone’s life.
“Now though, through information sessions and consultations, an Advanced Care Plan or statement of choice can be agreed upon so family, doctors and staff are aware of the resident’s choices and make appropriate care decisions.
“This way, Heritage Lodge can ensure that residents and their families wishes are respected by everyone who is involved with their care.”
A full list of the awards winners is available online with submissions for the 2018 awards opening in April 2018.
