There is a great deal to reflect on in the last 12 months ( July 2021 - June 2022) and we are especially mindful of the lives lost during the COVID pandemic and acknowledge the extensive contribution of the palliative care sector during this challenging time.

We have pursued an agenda of ‘bold’ leadership in 2021-22 seeking tangible and achievable solutions, with a particular focus on workforce solutions that seek to deliver quality palliative care to all who want it, wherever they are.

Sadly, we estimate that 40% of people who die in hospital, still do not receive palliative care. Not only do all people have the right to receive appropriate end of life care, dying in hospital represents both a huge cost to the health system and is not the choice many people might make.

Many thousands more died in residential aged care where palliative care is not yet nationally embedded. Only 1 in 50 aged care residents received palliative care under the recent aged care funding instrument.

The weight of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety continues to add momentum to our advocacy. Commissioners made 12 recommendations pointing to the need for palliative care to be embedded within aged care.

PCA continues to engage with the aged care sector and the Government to inform the reform needed.

The health sector and Australian community more broadly find ourselves at a point in time where the need for reform is being embraced. That sense of ‘building back better’ in response to the challenges we face provides a positive focus in times of pressure and uncertainty.

What is clear is that demand for palliative care is increasing, separate to the need resulting from the Pandemic. KPMG estimates that demand will increase by 50% between now and 2035 and double by 2050.

We know what needs to be done and we look forward to making more progress in the year ahead.

We want to acknowledge and thank PCA staff past and present who have contributed to the achievements outlined in our Annual Report, our Member Organisations, as well as our volunteer Board of Directors, our sector’s palliative care workforce and volunteers, carers and consumers with lived experience, and all those who have contributed to the various committees and advisory groups highlighted. Our collaboration is powerful.

There is much more to explore in our Annual Report and we invite you explore the achievements and learnings identified - HERE.

Regards

Tuesday, 6 December 2022

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