Applications open for a scholarship opportunity in palliative care

A report released last week found that more people are accessing palliative care than ever before, and demand will only grow into the future.

A lack of trained palliative care staff is a particular issue in regional and rural areas, where hospitals employ half as many specialist palliative physicians, per every 100,000 residents, as hospitals in major cities.

Palliative Care Australia (PCA) are hoping to make the necessary training more accessible to some, by providing 38 scholarships to those who would not otherwise be able to attend the opportunity to attend the Australian Palliative Care Conference held in Adelaide in September.

PCA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Liz Callaghan says the Continuing Professional Development Scholarships will give “special” consideration to those working in remote and regional areas, as well as those working with indigenous, CALD, and LGBTI aged care communities.

“Knowledge-related barriers are more complex in these groups and particularly for rural and remote aged care workers to have access to training, support and professional assistance,” Ms Callaghan said.

The scholarships will cover travel, accommodation conference and pre-conference workshop costs for successful applicants.

Dr Karen Detering, the Medical Director of Decision Assist and Advance Care Planning Australia, says Decision Assist is very pleased to be partnering with Palliative Care Australia to offer the scholarships.

“This is an exciting initiative supporting the important work of the aged care work force in caring for older Australians,” Dr Detering says.

Applications are open now and close on the 30th of June. For information on how to apply see the Palliative Care Conference 2017 website.