Charlotte Varcoe
IN-HOME Hospice Care services have been reliant on community grants since November, according to chairperson Maureen Klintberg after State Government funding dried up.
The volunteer-led initiative received $149,100 from the Government’s Palliative Care grant in 2020 to establish the service.
When the funding term ended in November, the care service received a $60,000 grant from a local business to continue through until July this year.
“What this means is that as of November last year we were reliant on community funding whilst continuing to advocate to the Department of Health and Wellbeing for ongoing funding,” Ms Klintberg said.
“Ongoing funding will ensure we are able to continue to develop and implement strategies for further expansion of our programs.”
She said volunteers and board members were confident that, in the coming months, a number of strategies in place to work with the community to raise funds, along with the Government support, would bring a positive service to the community.
“The service we provide complements the wonderful work already being carried out by the Palliative Care team in Mount Gambier, and supports our local medical profession, so that we can enable people and give them the option of remaining at home,” Ms Klintberg said.
“I am disappointed there has been no funding commitments for palliative care or in-home hospice care leading up to the State election because community members who wish to die at home are only able to do so if the service is available.”
Minister for Health Stephen Wade stated the program was a success and that SA Health had been supporting local board members in applying for and securing future grants elsewhere.
“There is another call for palliative care grants in 2022 and the program will be encouraged to apply for the grant again as it is regarded as a successful program,” Mr Wade said.
“There are a range of funding opportunities they have been pursuing and the way the board is establishing a range of partners is exactly the range it needs.”
Independent Member of Parliament for Mount Gambier, Troy Bell supported the program, stating palliative care and in-home care was critical for the local community.
“At some point we are all going to face the same fate and the palliative care service should be in an environment that is as comfortable, as family-friendly and accommodating as it can be,” Mr Bell said.
“I congratulate Maureen and all those who are leading the charge to make things happen with palliative care and it is something that is on my radar.”
