Palliative Care is more than you think!

While conversations about palliative care have gained prominence recently as part of the Australian health response to COVID-19, there are still many misconceptions within the community about what palliative care involves.

The theme of this week’s National Palliative Care Week (24 – 30 May) is ‘Palliative Care… It’s more than you think!’, which seeks to raise awareness about the many benefits of quality palliative care.

Joint Patrons of Palliative Care Australia, The Governor-General, His Excellency, David Hurley and Mrs Linda Hurley officially launched National Palliative Care Week 2020 today via a special video broadcast.

“National Palliative Care Week 2020 is about broadening Australians’ understanding of palliative care,” said General Hurley. “It is care that serves both the patient and their family, and the support continues even after the patient has died, helping loved ones to cope with their grief and bereavement.”

“National Palliative Care Week also provides an opportunity for us to also acknowledge our wonderful health care workers, especially those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each day, there are so many good people working and volunteering in palliative care across Australia, including  doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, aged care staff, counsellors, pastoral care workers, chaplains and volunteers … and many more. All dedicated to helping people live as well as possible and for as long as possible.”

PCA Board Chair, Professor Meera Agar said she was delighted to be involved in launching National Palliative Care Week – saying it presents a valuable opportunity to highlight the benefits and scope of palliative care.

“One of the great myths about palliative care is that it is only a synonym for end-of-life care. It is so much more than that,” said Professor Agar.

“Palliative care is about positive conversations and rapidly mobilising the support needed to manage physical symptoms, provide emotional and psychological support, and put in train the plan of care, which allows the person to meet their goals.”

PCA CEO Mr Rohan Greenland said that while PCA chose this year’s theme before the COVID-19 outbreak, he believed it was still just as relevant today.

“It is more important than ever to discuss quality palliative care and end of life preferences, given the current challenging and uncertain circumstances associated with the global COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mr Greenland.

He concluded by inviting Australians to get involved in National Palliative Care Week by participating in the series of virtual events scheduled.

“We may be physically isolated, but we are not socially isolated! So this year, we are planning a lot of online events during National Palliative Care Week and encourage the community to get involved and join these important conversations about palliative care.”

Visit palliativecare.org.au/national-palliative-care-week-2020 for information about National Palliative Care Week, including campaign materials, events, FAQs and PCA’s “What is Palliative Care?” brochure.

Watch the National Palliative Care Week Launch video below

Download PDF of Media Release: Palliative Care is more than you think! - 24 May 2020