Paediatrics

Paediatrics

Paediatric Palliative Care

National Paediatric Palliative Care Project

Paediatric palliative care maximises quality of life for infants, children, and young people with life-limiting conditions, as well as those who support them. 

In today’s world, dealing with serious illness, death, and dying at any age challenges our society deeply. That is why robust and accessible paediatric palliative care is so important —to go beyond expectations and embrace the complexities of life and death at a young age with compassion and understanding. 

Paediatric palliative care uses a holistic, person-centred approach, providing active total care of the young person’s body, mind, and spirit, while also offering support to the family. We know that every family’s experience is unique, and that each paediatric palliative care journey is different.  

We also recognise that being involved as a health care professional in paediatric palliative care is rewarding but can be emotionally challenging. 

That’s why we offer a wealth of resources and information on our website – a trusted one stop shop designed to support and inform those giving and receiving paediatric palliative care. 

In 2023, after three years of extensive research, Palliative Care Australia proudly unveiled Australia’s first ‘Paediatric Palliative Care National Action Plan.’  

Simon Waring, Action Plan Steering Committee, Ged Kearney, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Camilla Rowland, CEO, Palliative Care Australia, and Michael Wasley, CEO, Very Special Kids, at the launch of the Action Plan.

This project created a roadmap for paediatric palliative care to ensure that children and young people with life limiting conditions and their families are supported and receive the information and care they need. 

Building on this foundation, “Shaping the Future,” is a dynamic three-year project (2023-2026) committed to enhancing paediatric palliative care.  

Eager to contribute to this innovative project? Your voice is crucial.  

Whether you’re a healthcare professional or someone with lived experience (parents, carers, young people, and families), your input matters. 

Explore our paediatric palliative care website and join us in shaping the future of paediatric palliative care.  

Have questions? Reach out to the PCA Paediatric Project Team at paediatrics@palliativecare.org.au.  

 

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