National Palliative Care Week Shines Light On Life And Death Matters

During National Palliative Care Week (May 21 to 27), Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) Palliative Care Services wanted to focus on awareness and engagement.

They did that by raising awareness about the matters of life and death and urging the district’s residents to engage in important conversations and understand the scope of palliative care services across the Riverina.

MHD Palliative Care Stream Manager, Tara O’Sullivan said they understood that death could be a difficult topic.

“We understand that death and dying is a difficult subject to talk about and engage with,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

“This year, we encourage people to confront their fears and have some powerful conversations about death and also about living well when facing a life-limiting illness.

“We encourage people to view some of our patient stories available on our website, as well as the national campaign ‘Live the life you please’, which is a powerful documentary showcasing the stories from people across Australia sharing the last chapter of their lives with us, launched Monday, May 22.

MLHD Palliative Care services can be instrumental in balancing a variety of perspectives and incorporating the psychological, social, and spiritual concerns of patients, their families and the staff caring for them.

“They are also there to support the loved ones of people near the end of their life and help them live through their grief and bereavement.

“We hope to broaden the community’s understanding and appreciation of palliative care, demonstrating its role in supporting the physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs of people living with a life-limiting illness, their families and their care team.”

During National Palliative Care Week, MLHD Palliative Care Services ran a series of events to celebrate the tireless efforts of palliative care professionals and volunteers.

The events will include staff education sessions across the district, as well as memorial services for bereaved loved ones to be held at Leeton, Griffith and Wagga Wagga.

MLHD Palliative Care services can assist with:

• End-of-Life Planning;
• Pain and symptom management;
• Access to equipment;
• Referral to other allied health services;
• Access to carer respite;
• Provide information and advice to the carer; and
• Bereavement Counselling and Support.

Visit https://www.mlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/our-services/palliative-care for more information on MLHD palliative care services and speak to your GP to arrange a referral to MLHD palliative care specialist services.

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• Health & Wellbeing