Wednesday, 25 August, 1999
PALLIATIVE CARER KIT AIMS TO EASE ULTIMATE JOURNEY
- KNOWLES
Terminally ill people and their families can expect heightened help and compassion as a result of a new, Victorian Government-funded training guide for palliative care workers, Health & Aged Care Minister Rob Knowles said today.
Launching Victoria University of Technology’s Palliative Care Awareness Training Kit, Mr Knowles said unspoken taboos and inhibitions about everyone’s ultimate journey are making way for more open and meaningful communication as a result of such initiatives.
“Palliative care aims to help patients maximise remaining quality time and, ultimately, manage the most peaceful passing possible while offering their family and other carers support during this sensitive time and beyond,” he said.
Over 50 hours, the training program seeks to raise awareness among direct care workers in the Human Services Department’s Aged Care and Home & Community Care sectors, and in government-funded agencies.
It introduces them to palliative care philosophy - which sees the family as primary carers supported by professionals and agencies - and guides them through associated rights and responsibilities including confidentiality, duty of care and ways to help all concerned.
“Awareness training, however, does not constitute formal expertise, which would still be seen as the role of a registered nurse or palliative care nurse specialist,” Mr Knowles said.
The Palliative Care Awareness Training Kit recognises the team role of both home care and personal care workers, the Minister said.
Inpatient palliative care services are receiving more than $23 million this year from the Victorian Government. As well, some 40 organisations are sharing almost $12 million in State and Commonwealth funding for community-based services.
The number of funded agencies has almost doubled since Mr Knowles’ taskforce report, Palliative Care in Victoria: A Vision (1995), provided a 10-year plan to improve services.
The resulting Victorian palliative care model is based on the home/hospice/hospital triangle of care, built around patients’ needs and wishes, he said.
The Victorian Government’s commitment to taking these services closer to where people live has led to it funding Victoria University of Technology’s development of a palliative care awareness training kit, the Minister said.
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“Most people with a terminal illness indicate they would rather spend their final time at home with their loved ones, receiving community-based care in a familiar environment,” Mr Knowles said.
“Significant changes have occurred in home-based care for these people in recent years, with much cooperation from agencies and health professionals.
“The redevelopment of palliative care hospital beds this past financial year has seen the Victorian Government make considerable efforts to increase the availability of inpatient care beds around the State.
“Two years ago, Victoria had about 154 funded palliative care beds.
“Late last year, an extra 94 totalling $8.6 million were allocated Statewide, bringing the new hospital palliative care bed total to 248 - with $23 million all-up in annual funding,” Mr Knowles said.
Patients and their families in Melbourne’s east now have a wider range of home-based services through Eastern Palliative Care, a consortium comprising the Sisters of Charity Health services, the Order of Malta and the Melbourne Eastern Palliative Care Association.
These include group bereavement programs, carer support groups, regional medical consultancy to GPs, hospitals, nursing homes and hostels, supported residential services and a broad range of education and support services.
“As our society ages, the needs and challenges of people caring for the terminally ill will become more widespread,” Mr Knowles said.
“The Victorian Government is committed to a strong and innovative palliative system to make the transition of both patient and carer as compassionate and supportive as possible,” he said.
Authorised by J. G. Kennett, Premier of Victoria, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 3002
Media inquiries:
Serena Williams, Minister’s Press Secretary, tel. (03) 9651 5799 or 0419 897 858.
Steve Pivetta, Department of Human Services, Media Unit, tel. (03) 9616 7055.
Internet: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/hs.html
(F: Press99/UniTechnoRK/sp/25.08.99)