THE issue of end-of-life care will be thrown into the spotlight next week at a key community health forum in Mount Gambier.
The forum will be hosted by Mount Gambier and Districts Health Advisory Council (HAC) and South East Palliative Care.
Coinciding with National Palliative Care Week, South East residents are being ask to consider “what matters most?” and reflect on what would be most important to them if they became seriously unwell.
The theme also addresses the need to plan ahead for end-of-life care and for people to discuss the issue their loved ones and relevant health professionals.
Palliative care nurse Rebecca Whittaker encouraged members of the community as well as health professionals to attend the event, which follows on from a number of other forums held by the HAC.
The dedicated nurse said the event would also highlight what services were available in Mount Gambier.
“It is really about informing the community about end-of-life care services in the South East – it is open to the whole community,” Ms Whittaker said.
“We also want to show to the community who is involved in supporting and caring for people at end-of-life.
“It is not just about the palliative care team, we also engage with other primary health care providers such as SA Ambulance, general practitioners and Mount Gambier Hospital staff.”
Regarding the palliative care team, she said the unit offered a range of holistic services to people.
These include providing support and equipment to help people stay at home as long as possible.
“These services also help people to die at home if that is their wish,” Ms Whittaker explained.
“We have nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, clinical nurses, dieticians and a nurse practitioner.”
Importantly, the service provides specialist assessment and consultancy for people living with a life-limiting illness.
This can help people maintain a quality of life through their journey with “active care”.
HAC president Maureen Klintberg said the Mount Gambier forum aimed to raise awareness and understanding about palliative care service provision in the South East community.
“The event will provide the opportunity for the palliative care unit to showcase their services and provide a broad range of information,” Ms Klintberg said.
Speakers will include general practitioner Dr Mike Bruorton, oncologist Dr Dagmara Poprawski, Justice of Peace John Amoroso and members of the palliative care unit.
Topics will include The Donna Project, getting your affairs in order, social work and dignity therapy, advance care directives, oncology, palliative care, the role of occupational therapy and equipment.
The national Palliative Care Week is being organised by Palliative Care Australia.
“This is important annual awareness campaign highlights how palliative care can help people with a life-limiting illness to have a high quality of life, to the end of life,” Ms Klintberg said.
“Dying is a normal part of life so it is important for everyone to have discussions about the type of care they would want to receive if they could no longer speak for themselves.
“Knowing what is important to you will reduce their burden at a difficult time and ensure you get the care you desire.”
The forum will be held on Wednesday at City Hall, starting at 6.30pm.
