As the world comes to terms with the ongoing presence and pressure of COVID-19, the upcoming Australian Paediatric Palliative Care Conference is being seen as an opportunity to recharge and create space for personal and professional development.

“In a time of pandemic, where we have all scrambled to work in new and challenging ways, to immerse yourself in something that will feed our work, our souls, and our tired minds is really important,” says Sara Fleming, Nurse Practitioner and former Clinical Director of Palliative Care at the Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Adelaide.

“And to do this online where we are safe from COVID but connected, makes it all the more accessible - and you can stay in your Uggboots!”

The inaugural Australian Paediatric Palliative Care Conference (APPCC) will take place online over two days – 13 and 14 October 2022.

The theme ‘Listen, Learn, Lead’ will playout over a dynamic program featuring over 50 speakers, six workshops, and 25 plus posters; designed to create a space that enlightens delegates and fosters collaboration that improves paediatric palliative care across Australia and New Zealand. 

“Give yourself these two days of truly inspiring content and connection, it will deepen the purpose you bring to your work and indeed your life,” Ms Fleming says.

“When you work in this space, work and life are intertwined, I am attending the conference to get a burst of enthusiasm and fantastic ideas, but the program will also build people’s capacity and awareness, all focussed of delivering quality care.”

APPCC is a key part of the three-year Paediatric Palliative Care National Action Plan Project.  

Those attending the conference will be people working in paediatric palliative care or those working in ‘adult’ palliative care with an interest in paediatrics, as well as those working in other paediatric or child centered services.

The cost of registration has been kept a low as possible at $350, and apart from access to the live online event, delegates will have access to all the recorded material for up to three months.

“Reflecting on my own career, I think that the most precious and privileged moments have been around helping shape the time a child and family have together to be the very best it can be - to pull together all the resources, care, and human engagement needed is what we all work towards,” Ms Fleming says.

“Paediatric palliative care is emotional and challenging work, but events like this are an opportunity to recharge, connect with like-minded people, and learn of the innovative work and research that’s happening to help young people and families living with life-limiting illness.”

Palliative Care Australia is grateful for the support of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, Paediatric Palliative Care Australia and New Zealand, and Quality of Care Collaboration Australia.

Registrations of the Australian Paediatric Palliative Care Conference on 13 and 14 October are open now. For more information - www.appcc.com.au