Cash injection for regional palliative care specialists
Nine rural and regional areas in New South Wales will benefit from a $3.06 million investment to improve the care and choices of palliative care patients with the introduction of new palliative care specialists.
The awkwardness around discussing death is often the biggest obstacle to receiving appropriate end of life care and funeral services (Source: Shutterstock)
The funding boost for the region was announced by Parliamentary Secretary for Health Leslie Williams at the Dubbo Base Hospital in Dubbo on 4 December with palliative care specialist positions to be funded for Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Hunter New England, Mid North Coast, Murrumbidgee, Northern NSW, Southern NSW, Western NSW, Central Coast and Far West local health districts.
Mrs Williams says the funding is part of the NSW Government’s biggest ever palliative care investment of $100 million over the next four years.
“The NSW Government is committed to investing in palliative care right across the health system so that patients have real choices in the care they receive at the end of their life,” she says.
The investment by government was well received by Member for Dubbo Troy Grant who says “the investment will better support palliative care staff who are at the heart of delivering compassionate care.
“This investment in the rural and regional palliative care workforce demonstrates our firm commitment to do all we can to support patients, as well as their families, at this most difficult time.”
NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, who was part of the announcement, says the funding is part of a “record Budget commitment” that the NSW Government is delivering on to provide better and more access to “excellent palliative care services”.
“Providing first-class palliative care in every part of the state is a key priority… and this record investment will significantly strengthen the palliative care workforce, particularly in regional and rural areas.”
The palliative care funding announcement comes just weeks after the NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill was rejected 19 votes for, 20 opposed.
