- WA Health Networks Workshop - 31 Mar 10 - 10-Mar-2010
The WA Department of Health runs the WA Health Networks. The Health Networks will hold a free workshop for all Health Networks members from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM on Wednesday 31 March 2010 at the Boulevard Centre in Floreat. Attendees must complete a registration form available from healthpolicy@health.wa.gov.au or by phoning 08 9489 2800.
- ANZSPM Educational Forum - 13 May 2010 in Perth - 10-Mar-2010
The Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine invites medical practitioners to attend a forum on 13 May 2010 on anxiety and depression in end of life care. This session will cover:
- psychological and pharmacological treatments of anxiety
- assessment of mood disorder
- the differential diagnosis of depressed mood and conservation-withdrawal syndrome
- treatment options for depression ‘near the end of life’ and
- managing requests for physician assisted suicide in patients with depressive illness.
The program will begin at 6:15 PM with a light meal, followed by a presentation by the guest speaker and case study discussion. The venue is the University Club at UWA, Hackett Drive, Crawley. Please visit the ANZSPM website or email karen@anzspm.org.au to register.
- ARC Postgrad Scholarship in Dignity Therapy - 9-Mar-2010
Applications are now open for a doctoral scholarship (supported by the Australian Research Council and the Motor Neurone Disease Assocation of WA) for research in palliative care in the area of dignity therapy for people living with MND. Applicants must be based in Perth, have a health-related professional background, and be eligible for admission to a PhD program at Curtin University. Applications are due by 12 April 2010. More information is available from Prof Samar Aoun, email s.aoun@curtin.edu.au or phone 08 92666 1760. You can also download an application form here.
- New Palliative Care Unit at Kalgoorlie Hospital - 5-Mar-2010
Construction has started on a new palliative care unit at Kalgoorlie Hospital. Read the media release from the Minister for Mental Health, Graham Jacobs MLA, here.
- Latest PCA E-Bulletin Available - 3-Mar-2010
The latest edition of Palliative Care Australia's excellent E-Bulletin has been released. Items include:
- information on the update of the National Palliative Care Strategy by Communio (see other items on this page for details)
- a detailed policy report
- latest news from the National Standards Assessment Program
- sector news
- links to information and resources.
View the E-Bulletin at the PCA website, or sign up to PCA Connect to receive a copy in your inbox.
- @CareSearch Newsletter for March 2010 - 3-Mar-2010
CareSearch Knowledge Network has sent out their March 2010 newsletter entitled @CareSearch, which you can view at their website. The items this edition include:
- new pages about bereavement and grief
- eight new additions to the CareSearch Review Collection
- developments in research news and the Research Studies Register
- sector news and events.
- Annual WA Palliative Care Breakfast - 25 May 10 - 3-Mar-2010
We have posted details, and a booking form, for Palliative Care WA Inc's Annual WA Palliative Care Breakfast on our events page (www.palliativecarewa.asn.au/events.php). The Breakfast starts at 7:00 AM on Tuesday 25 May 2010 at the Flying Squadron Yacht Club in Dalkeith.
- Centre for Ageing & Pastoral Studies Conference - 28 Sep to 1 Oct 10 - 25-Feb-2010
The Centre for Ageing and Pastoral Studies holds its 5th National Conference in Canberra from 28 September to 1 October 2010. Speakers include Keith Meador from the USA and Peter Coleman from the UK. Abstracts are due 15 March 2010 and earlybird registration closes 9 July 2010. There is more information online, or by calling Kevin Teo on 02 6272 6205.
- Job Opportunity: Chief Executive Officer at Palliative Care Australia - 22-Feb-2010
After almost five years in the role, the Chief Executive Officer of Palliative Care Australia, Donna Daniell, has announced her resignation for personal reasons. All at Palliative Care WA Inc will be sad to see Donna go - her commitment and contribution to the development of palliative and end of life care in Australia have been remarkable. The Board of Palliative Care Australia is recruiting a new CEO - there's more information at www.palliativecare.org.au/Default.aspx?tabid=2069.
- PCWA Media Release on Advance Care Planning Laws - 15 Feb 10 - 18-Feb-2010
Palliative Care WA Inc put out a media release about the changes to the WA Guardianship and Administration Act 1990 which came into effect 15 February 2010. Changes permit, amongst other things, Western Australians to complete their own Advance Health Directives and Enduring Powers of Guardianship. Read the media release here.
- CNSA Winter Congress in Perth - 29-31 Jul 10 - 17-Feb-2010
The Cancer Nurses Society of Australia will hold their 13th Annual Winter Congress in Perth from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 July 2010. The venue is the Hyatt Hotel in Perth. Abstracts are due 26 February 2010 and earlybird registration closes 14 April 2010. The Congress theme is 'Leadership, Diversity and Innovation: The Global Picture'. There will be a strong palliative care presence, as usual. More information is available at www.cnsa2010.com or on 02 9265 0700.
- 'At the Coalface' - WA Palliative Care Conference - 28 May 10 - Info Now Online - 12-Feb-2010
Palliative Care WA Inc, in partnership with the WA Palliative Care Network, presents 'At the Coalface', the 2010 WA Palliative Care Conference:
- Friday 28 May 2010 from 8:45AM to 4:00PM
- Wollaston College, Mt Claremont, Perth
- fully catered
- great speakers
- workshops, project and research presentations
- affordable prices and great value.
The Conference web page is now live: www.palliativecarewa.asn.au/wapcc2010.php. Palliative Care WA Inc will also post all our stakeholders hardcopy information about the Conference in the next week or two.
Those interested in sponsoring the Conference should contact Will Hallahan at Palliative WA Inc on 1300 551 704 or pcwainc@palliativecarewa.asn.au.
(Please note that this event was originally scheduled for 25 May 2010 - this date has changed to 28 May 2010.)
- WA Advance Care Planning Laws Operate from 15 Feb 10 - 12-Feb-2010
Advance care planning laws will operate in Western Australia from Monday 15 February 2010. The laws will permit people with legal capacity to complete:
- an Advance Health Directive form which records medical treatment decisions that apply if the person is unable to make decisions for themselves in the future
- an Enduring Power of Guardianship form, which records the appointment of another person who is empowered to make medical treatment decisions if the appointer is unable to make decisions for themselves in the future.
The laws are part of the amended WA Guardianship and Administration Act 1990 - the amendments will be included and operational from 15 February 2010.
We expect more information will be available throughout the state in coming weeks, but in the meantime, consider:
- the WA Department of Health - www.health.wa.gov.au/advancehealthdirective/home/ - this website includes a link to the Advance Health Directive form, and a useful Q&A section
- the WA Office of the Public Advocate - www.publicadvocate.wa.gov.au/E/enduring_power_of_guardianship.aspx - this website will include a link to the Enduring Power of Guardianship form
- Palliative Care WA Inc on 1300 551 704 or pcwainc@palliativecarewa.asn.au.
Palliative Care WA Inc welcomes the new laws, for which we have campaigned for many years, along with other community organisations.
- Update of the National Palliative Care Strategy - Important Consultations - 11-Feb-2010
Consulting group Communio has been contracted to help update the current National Palliative Care Strategy, which was formally adopted way back in the year 2000. So far, Communio has completed a Phase 1 Report, which is available online. The Communio website also includes a link to an online survey. The survey is very comprehensive and you will need at least 20 minutes to answer all the questions - maybe longer. Also, Communio will hold stakeholder consultation workshops around the country - they come to Perth on 18 March 2010 - you need to register on the website to receive all the information. Palliative Care WA Inc warmly encourages all interested Western Australians to take up these consultation opportunities - the National Strategy is and will be a very important document in the ongoing development of palliative and end of life care in this state and across the country.
- Centre for Grief & Bereavement: education in Perth during 2010 - 11-Feb-2010
The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement is located at Monash Medical Centre in Melbourne. They plan to hold the following education sessions in Perth:
- Strategies for Supporting Children and Adolescents Experiencing Grief and Loss - Thursday 25 March 2010
- Strategies for Supporting Bereaved and Grieving Adults - Friday 26 March 2010
- The Private World of Bereaved Children and Adolescents (Dr Leslie Balmer) - Thursday 12 August 2010
- Individual and Family Responses to Loss: Clinical Approaches to Traumatic Grief (Dr Stephen Fleming) - Friday 13 August 2010.
Please download the Centres' complete 2010 Planner (which includes a registration form) from their website, www.grief.org.au, or telephone 03 9265 2100 for more information.
- ABC1 'Four Corners' on palliative care 08 Feb 10 - 8-Feb-2010
'Four Corners', the long-running current affairs program on television's ABC1, will screen a program about palliative and end of life care tonight, Monday 08 February 2010, starting at 8:30PM. The ABC News website carries a story about the issue here; the article is followed by 40 reader comments. You can visit the 'Four Corners' website as well, the program's guestbook should also attract a lot of comments. Palliative Care Australia has issued a media release about the program.
- February 2010 E-Bulletin from Palliative Care Australia - 8-Feb-2010
Palliative Care Australia's February 2010 E-Bulletin is available online. Items include:
- Key issues for palliative care in 2010
- A message from Prof Margaret O'Connor AM, PCA President
- Policy report
- Sectory news
- Resources and information summaries.
Sign up to 'PCA Connect' to receive your own copy of the E-Bulletin each month.
- Carers WA – Carer Participation and Representation - 8-Feb-2010
The Carer Participation and Representation Program assists carers to participate in committees and advisory groups involved in the health system and/or mental health system. This is an exciting opportunity for you to have your voice heard and to influence change by meeting with clinicians and decision makers. If you have been, or are currently in, a caring role and would like to take part in this process on behalf of all carers then follow the link to find out more: http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/?/wa/article/view/108/4
- WA Palliative Care Network Website - 8-Feb-2010
The website of the WA Palliative Care Network, which is convened by the Department of Health, is always worth a visit. Follow links to a range of initiatives including:
- models of care
- reports
- project updates.
The Network is a very busy and active group and Palliative Care WA Inc values our close relationship with the team there.
- 'Can Meet Needs' Resources Available - 2-Feb-2010
The 'Needs Assessment Tool - Progressive Disease - Cancer' has been developed by a consortium of Australian Universities. It is designed for all health professionals and helps them to understand patient, carer and family needs and prompts for appropriate referrals. The project group has just released an excellent online training resource, which you can access at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/research-centre/cherp/can-meet-needs-resource/. The website includes downloads of the NAT-PDC tool, needs assessment guidelines, case studies, communications tips and learning activities.
- Latest 'Palliative Care Matters' Newsletter Online - 2-Feb-2010
The latest edition of the newsletter of Palliative Care WA Inc, 'Palliative Care Matters' is now online here. We also have additional hardcopies of the newsletter available at the office - please call 1300 551 704 or email pcwainc@palliativecarewa.asn.au if you need extras.
- Intrathecals & Liverpool Care Pathway Workshops, Busselton - 18 Mar 10 - 2-Feb-2010
The Cancer Council WA's Professional Development Centre will host two workshops in Busselton on 18 March 2010. The afternoon workshop is targetted at nurses and allied health professionals, the evening event is for doctors. Both workshops will examine the role of intrathecal delivery systems and the use of the Liverpool Care Pathway. There is no charge for either event as they are supported by PEPA. Visit the PDC website or call 08 9382 9300 to book a spot.
- 'Four Corners' on ABC TV - 08 Feb 10 - 2-Feb-2010
ABC TV's long-running '4 Corners' current affairs program will feature palliative care on the first show of the year, screened on Monday 8 February 2010 at 8:30PM. The show is usually available for download at the '4 Corners' website the next day, you can also provide feedback over the web.
- Palliative Care Pain Management Study Day @ RPH - 12 Mar 10 - 2-Feb-2010
The Royal Perth Hospital Palliative Care Service and the Cancer Council WA join forces to offer you the Palliative Care Pain Management Study Day on Friday 12 March 2010 at the Bruce Hunt Lecture Theatre at Royal Perth Hospital. Prices: RPH staff - free, SMAHS staff - $33, external - $88. Applications must be made on the RPH booking form, which is available from the Education Centre on 08 9224 2498.
- 18th International Congress on Palliative Care in Montreal - 5-8 Oct 10 - 2-Feb-2010
Montreal, Canada, will host the 18th International Congress on Palliative Care from 5 to 8 October 2010. The conference website is at www.pal2010.com. You can read all about it in English, French or Spanish.
- 18th International AIDS Conference in Vienna - 18-23 Jul 10 - 2-Feb-2010
The 18th International AIDS Conference will be held in Vienna, Australia, from 18 to 23 July 2010. Liz Gwythir of South Africa (who spoke at the Together! Conference in Perth in September 2009) will present a plenary on palliative care. Organisers are inviting strong support for palliative care in the form of workshops and presentations. Abstracts close 10 February 2010. Learn more at the Conference website at www.aids2010.org.
- WA State Palliative Care Conference - 28 May 2010 - 22-Jan-2010
Palliative Care WA Inc will hold a one-day state conference on Friday 28 May 2010. The venue will probably be Wollaston College in Mt Claremont. The theme will be 'At The Coalface', program details are yet to be determined. Suggestions for program content are very welcome and should be emailed to pcwainc@palliativecarewa.asn.au, or call the office on 1300 551 704. We are also seeking volunteers for the Organising Committee.
- January 2010 Edition of IAHPC Newsletter Online - 14-Jan-2010
The latest edition of the online newsletter of the International Association of Hospice and Palliative Care is now available. Items include:
- some excellent book reviews, including one of Allan Kellehear's latest, The study of dying, From autonomy to transformation
- interesting announcements about valuable resources available around the world
- reports from IAHPC travelling fellows and scholars.
The newsletter is always well worth a read for those interested in the development of palliative care around the world.
- Advance Health Directives Website Now Live - 14-Jan-2010
The WA Department of Health has established a website about Advance Health Directives in time for the new legislation to take effect in February 2010. The web address is http://www.health.wa.gov.au/advancehealthdirective/home/. You can follow links to the relevant legislation and download an Advance Health Directive Form. The Enduring Power of Guardianship provisions of the new legislation will be administered by the Office of the Public Advocate - they already have some preliminary information available on their website.
- Alllied Health Professionals in Palliative Care Workshop - Mar 10 - 11-Jan-2010
The Cancer Council WA, in conjunction with PEPA WA, is running a workshop for allied health professionals which addresses the question: 'What is connection between your role and palliative care?'. The workshop runs over 2 days: 23 and 30 March 2010, the venue is Wollaston College in Mt Claremont, Perth. Cost is $70 including food and water. To register contact the Professional Development Centre on 08 9382 9300 or email pdadministration@cancerwa.asn.au.
- WA Advance Health Directive Law Operational from 15 Feb 10 - 11-Jan-2010
Western Australia's advance health directives legislation be operative from 15 February 2010. The Lieutenant-Governor, Hon Wayne Martin, made the proclamation on 8 January 2010.With Justice Martin's proclamation, the WA Guardianship and Administration Act 1990 is amended according to the changes detailed in the Acts Amendment (Consent to Medical Treatment) Act 2008, which was passed by the Parliament of WA in June 2008. The new laws permit people over 18 who have full legal capacity to make an advance health directive or appoint an enduring guardian. - Enduring Powers of Guardianship Training by OPA - 18-Dec-2009
The WA Office of the Public Advocate is responsible for implementing the new Enduring Powers of Guardianship system, which will become effective when the Consent to Medical Treatment Act 2008 is proclaimed in early 2010. The Office of the Public Advocate is conducting half-day training sessions with service providers. They have also developed training materials. You can register to attend a training session by emailing opa@justice.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 858 455.
- WA Bereavement Assistance Program Information - 14-Dec-2009
The Western Australian Department of Child Protection administers the Bereavement Assistance Program. This was once known as the Funeral Assistance Program. You can see more information about the Program at http://www.community.wa.gov.au/DCP/Resources/Bereavement_Assistance_Program.htm. The webpage outlines the objectives of the Program, eligibility criteria, and what can be funded. You can also call the free-call number 1800 854 925.
- 'National Palliative Care Strategy' to be reviewed early 2010 - 14-Dec-2009
The Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing has announced that Communio has been appointed to help review and revise the National Palliative Care Strategy, which was adopted by state and territory and Commonwealth governments in 2000. You can read more about the review process, and register to receive information about the consultation workshop/s planned for Western Australia in early 2010, at the Communio website.
- WA Health Department releases new Clinical Services Framework 2010-20 - 4-Dec-2009
The WA Department of Health released a new 'Clinical Services Framework' for the years 2010 to 2020. This policy document outlines the location and level of the full range of state-funded health services. Palliative care's main mentions:
- page 21 - this table shows the level of palliative care service provision at the metropolitan public hospitals - Royal Perth Hospital and Fremantle Hospital will both see a contraction of palliative care services as the Fiona Stanley Hospital comes online, while services will expand at Rockingham, Armadale, Swan and Joondalup hospitals
- page 23 - this table covers palliative care service provision at the larger country hospitals ("Regional Resource Centres") and shows no change in the level of service offered at these facilities
- page 24 - outlines clincial service levels within 'Integrated District Health Services", and once again, shows no change in the level of service offered in these settings
- page 43 - this table summarises the resources needed to provide palliative care services at each of six levels.
The Framework has already garnered media attention.
You can download your own copy of the Framework from the WA Department of Health website: www.health.wa.gov.au.
- New material at CareSearch - 4-Dec-2009
The www.caresearch.com.au website is updated continually. The updates are summarised each month in an email sent to subscribers - sign up to receive this email here. View recent updates on this page. The December 2009 update includes information on:
- palliative care information for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people
- updates on the 'pain' page
- additions to the 'grey literature' database
- additions to the CareSearch review literature collection
- a report on palliative care health promotion in Victoria
and much more.
- World Hospice and Palliative Care Online newsletter - 4-Dec-2009
Palliative and hospice care is a global movement which continues to gather pace, particularly in developing countries. The Hospice Information Service, located in London and supported by Help the Hospices and St Christopher's Hospice, publishes the 'World Hospice and Palliative Care Online' newsletter every two months. This newsletter can be emailed to you - simply click the 'subscribe' link on the bottom of the latest edition (# 60), which can be found at http://www.helpthehospices.org.uk/enewsletter/whpco_issue_60.htm. Items in the current edition include:
- the evaluation of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2009
- new palliative care toolkit for Africa
- online service directory in India
- a section on palliative care for children
- a policy framework for the use of sedation in palliative care.
- DVDs of Together! plenary sessions now available - 4-Dec-2009
Palliative Care Australia has released DVDs of the plenary sessions of the Together! Palliative Care Conference held in Perth 24-27 September 2009. Speakers include Prof Rod MacLeod, Prof Sheila Payne, Dr Bruce Rumbold, Dr Bee Wee, a tribute to Dr Rosalie Shaw, and much much more. Learn more and download an order form for the 4 DVD set from the Palliative Care Australia website.
- Inaugural International Advance Care Planning Conference - 22-24 Apr 10 - 6-Nov-2009
The Inaugural International Advance Care Planning Conference will be held in Melbourne from 22 to 24 April 2010. Abstracts are due on 11 November 2009 (yes, next week), early-bird rates expire 10 February 2010. Learn more at the website: www.internationalacp2010.com.
- Palliative Care Nurses Australia Conference - 27-28 Aug 2010 - 6-Nov-2009
The 3rd Palliative Care Nurses Australia conference, Excellence and Innovation, will be held in Brisbane on 27 and 28 August 2010. All the details are available at the PCNA website - www.pcna.org.au.
- lifebook - 6-Nov-2009
Perth company Living Years has launched 'lifebook'. This is an online space where family and friends can post photos, stories, eulogies etc on a memorial page dedicated to someone who has died. First two weeks is free, after that, a small annual fee. Visit www.livingyears.com or call 08 9444 3224 for more details.
- Natural Earth Burial Society of Australia - 6-Nov-2009
The vision of the Natural Earth Burial Society of Australia is to see the majority of Australians embrace a more natural, eco-sensitive approach to death, funerals and memorialisation. One of the Society's aims is to faciliate the establishment of a network of natural burial grounds across Australia. The website, at www.naturalearthburial.com, has lots of information.
- Report on Quality Use of Palliative Care Medications in the Community - 6-Nov-2009
National Prescribing Service and Palliative Care Australia have released a report on the quality of use of palliative care medicines in the community, available at the Palliative Care Australia website: www.palliativecare.org.au.
- WA Consent to Medical Treatment Legislation - Regulations Gazetted - 9-Oct-2009
The WA Parliament passed the Consent to Medical Treatment Act 2008 in June last year. The Minister for Health, the Hon Dr Kim Hames MLA, announced in June 2009 that this legislation would be proclaimed (ie become effective in law) in September 2009. During the middle part of 2009 Palliative Care WA Inc and many other stakeholders participated in a consultation process organised by the Department of Health and the Office of the Public Advocate to look at the Advance Health Directive and Enduring Power of Guardianship paperwork and other implementation issues (see the Advocacy page on this website for more details). During September 2009 the WA Government gazetted the regulations (see page 3583) which outline important operational aspects of the new legislation. Once the regulations are approved by Parliament the new laws will be proclaimed.
- New PCWA Executive Committee - 9-Oct-2009
The Palliative Care WA Inc Annual General Meeting was held on 8 October 2009. The current Executive Committee is:
- Dr Scott Blackwell - President (elected for two years in 2009)
- Stephen Carmody - Vice President (elected for 2 years in 2008)
- Eleanor Roderick - Hon Secretary (elected for 2 years in 2008)
- Dr Margherita Nicoletti - General Member (elected for 2 years in 2008)
- Helen Walker - General Member (elected for 2 years in 2008)
- Glenys Thomas - General Member (elected for 2 years in 2008)
- Karen Neale - General Member (elected for two years in 2009)
- Pru Jarrah - General Member (elected for 2 years in 2008)
- Dr Erica Davison - General Member (elected for 2 years in 2009)
- Andrew Allsop - General Member (elected for 2 years in 2009)
- Robyn Ellis - General Member (co-opted for two years in 2009).
Sue Henning has stepped down as Hon Treasurer after several years in the role. Dr Alice Phua's term as a co-opted member came to end. We thank Sue and Alice for their contributions to Palliative Care WA Inc.
The AGM also:
- accepted the audited financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2009 - these will be posted on the website shortly
- accepted changes to the PCWA Constitution - these will be posted on the website shortly.
- THANKYOU to all who helped make the Together! Conference so good - 9-Oct-2009
All at Palliative Care WA Inc, on behalf of the 1,250 delegates to the Together! Cultural connections for quality care at the end of life conference which we held here in Perth from 24 to 27 September 2009, give sincere thanks to everybody who volunteered their time and effort to make the the event a ROARING success.
- National Partnership Agreement Implementation Plans - 9-Oct-2009
The National Partnership Agreement on Hospital and Health Workforce Reform was signed by all Australian governments in late 2008/early 2009. There are four main elements of the Agreement:
- activity based funding
- workforce enablers
- subacute care
- taking pressure off public hospitals.
Both Palliative Care WA Inc and Palliative Care Australia have actively sought to influence the implementation of the Agreement at both state and national levels: see our letter to the WA Department of Health here, and Palliative Care Australia's recent E-Bulletins for more background. Local implementation plans are now being developed by the states and territories.
Under Schedule C of the Agreement (subacute care) Western Australia was allocated $48.609M over four years to expand service provision by 5% annually. The WA Department of Health has developed the 'Subacute Care - Western Australia Implementation Plan 2008-13'. While this document forms the implementation plan required to secure Schedule C funding in WA, it builds on several years of health service reform planning. The Plan notes that 'the palliative care sector has been the recipient of significant injections of State Government and Commonwealth funding over the past four years to increase service capacity. In this context, a limited approach will be taken to provide services where gaps remain. It is recommended that there will be a small proportion of funds relative to other sectors allocated to palliative care.'
Specific palliative care investments are shown on page 18 of the Plan, they include: implementing a training package focussing on patient transitions between hospitals and residential aged care facilities and the creation of a community palliative care registrar's position in North Metro Area Health Service. Service provision increases for the period 2009-13 are outlined on the same page.
- New WA Bereavement Assistance Program Announced - 22-Sep-2009
Visit the WA Government's media statements website here: http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Results.aspx?ItemID=132511 to see Minister Robyn McSweeney's announcement of the new Bereavement Assistance Program.
Palliative Care WA Inc welcomes the announcement. - Latest edition of 'Palliative Care Matters' - 7-Sep-2009
We have published the latest edition of the newsletter of Palliative Care WA Inc, 'Palliative Care Matters'. Hardcopies are available from our office - email pcwainc@palliativecarewa.asn.au or phone 1300 551 704.
- Seminar: 'Closing the Gap For Indigenous Palliative Care' - information now available - 28-Aug-2009
We have released the information form for the 'Closing the Gap for Indigenous Palliative Care Seminar' planned for Thursday 24 September 2009 in Perth. All welcome.
- Syringe Driver Replacement Program Announced - 21-Aug-2009
Palliative Care Australia has announced the national Syringe Driver Replacement Program. You can read the details at the PCA website: www.palliativecare.org.au. We understand the WA Country Health Service is helping PCA to identify all syringe drivers that need replacement and manage purchases under the Program.
- Community Palliative Care Grants Program - Round 5 - 21-Aug-2009
The Australian Government's Department of Health and Ageing has announced Round 5 of the Community Palliative Care Grants Program. More information is available from the Department's website at http://www.health.gov.au/tenders. Organisations interested in collaborating with Palliative Care WA Inc are encouraged to contact this office on 1300 551 704 or by email to pcwainc@palliativecarewa.asn.au.
- PCWA Media Release - Rossiter - 21-Aug-2009
Palliative Care WA Inc was featured in several media spots related to the case of Perth man Christian Rossiter. Our media release on this topic is available at our website: PCWA Media Release 07 Aug 09 - Christian Rossiter.
- PCWA Advocacy Activities - 21-Aug-2009
The last couple of months have been particularly busy on the advocacy front. We have posted some recent advocacy materials on the PCWA website. Topics include the cessation of the WA Funerals Assistance Program, the COAG agreement on health and health workforce reform and the soon-to-be-proclaimed WA Consent to Medical Treatment legislation.
- E-Bulletin from Palliative Care Australia about the new National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission Report - 27-Jul-2009
Visit the PCA website to read a brief Palliative Care Australia E-Bulletin about the the final report of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission. This is a significant piece of policy work which is set to influence the development of the national health system for decades into the future. Palliative Care Australia's general view of the report is that it contains several elements which could be good for palliative and end of life care.
- PCWA Thanks Our Partners - 17-Jul-2009
Palliative Care WA Inc thanks our community partners - visit http://www.palliativecarewa.asn.au/partners.php to see who they are, click through to their website, and learn more.
- Cessation of WA Funeral Assistance Program - 2-Jul-2009
The Western Australia Funeral Assistance Program, which was administered for several years by the Department for Child Protection, ceased on 30 June 2009.
In contact with the office of The Hon Robyn McSweeney MLC Minister for Child Protection, Community Services, Seniors and Volunteering and Women's' Interests, on 29 June 2009, Palliative Care WA Inc has been advised that:
- the partner or family member of a deceased person seeking assistance to pay for the funeral should, in the first instance, contact Centrelink to enquire about accessing the Bereavement Payment or Bereavement Allowance - note that individuals can also register an 'Intent to Claim' before the person dies - visit http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/individuals/help_index.htm or call 13 61 50
- Centrelink may also pay the final instalment of an income support payment to the estate of a deceased single person after their death - visit http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/individuals/help_index.htm or call 13 61 50 for more information
- if there is no family to claim a body and organise a funeral, service providers should call the Western Australia Public Trustee on 1300 746 116 (or visit http://www.publictrustee.wa.gov.au/_apps/contacts/default.aspx for more contact details) to get forms which request the Public Trustee to take responsibility for the body.
We imagine the Public Trustee will take funds from the estate of the deceased, if the body is unclaimed, to pay for the funeral. In the past, if the estate was worth nothing, funding would be sought from the Funeral Assistance Program. In a conversation with staff at the WA Public Trustee's office on 29 June 2009, it was not clear how the funerals of unclaimed and impoverished Western Australians would be paid for after 1 July 2009.
This is a new issue in this state, in addition to the cost to palliative care services of transporting and storing the bodies of poor people who died in their care. You can read more information about that problem here: http://www.palliativecarewa.asn.au/advocacy.php.
- PCWA Membership Form Available Online - 2-Jul-2009
The Palliative Care WA Inc membership year runs from 01 July each year, which means that it's time to renew your membership for Financial Year 2010 (thank you to those members who have already renewed - you know who you are!). You can download a membership form from our website at http://www.palliativecarewa.asn.au/about_wa.php, the same page includes links to the current PCWA Constitution and Strategic Plan. Please email the PCWA office on pcwainc@palliativecarewa.asn.au if you need a hardcopy of any of these documents.
- New information on subcutaneous infusion devices in Australia - 2-Jul-2009
Palliative Care Australia has updated their report on subcutaneous infusion devices available in Australia. You can access this report from PCWA's 'Information for Health Professionals' webpage: http://www.palliativecarewa.asn.au/info_pro.php, along with a brief report of a clinical trial of two different pumps at Royal Perth Hospital last year.
- Palliative Care Victoria - palliative care podcasts - 12-Jun-2009
Palliative Care Victoria has started a podcasting series - you can view the first three instalments in a regular series at http://pallcarevic.asn.au/Text/1238710412800-7482/pC/1182935445390-7903/. The first instalment features Dr Jane Fischer talking about the role of the specialist team in palliative care, the second and third are of Dr Brian Le introducing palliative care and discussing communications at the end of life.
- WA Minister for Health announces implementation of Consent to Medical Treatment legislation - 12-Jun-2009
On 09 June 2009 the Western Australian Minister for Health, Hon Dr Kim Hames MLA, announced that the Acts Amendment (Consent to Medical Treatment) Act 2008 would be implemented within three months. You can view his media statement here: http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx?ItemId=132025&. Dr Scott Blackwell, President of Palliative Care WA Inc, in welcoming the announcement, said: “People, especially those approaching the end of life, want some control over the care they receive, even if they are not able to speak for themselves. The Act goes some way towards assuring they have this control. It was passed by the WA Parliament nearly 12 months ago after many years of work, and people all over the state have been eagerly awaiting this announcement." He went to to say that “We hope the Department of Health and the Office of the Public Advocate, who will have responsibility for this legislation, consult a wide range of people, including consumers, about the best way to implement it and ensure the paperwork is useable. It would also be helpful to know the formal enactment date and details of the registry that is part of this new law." View Palliative Care WA Inc's position statement on advance care planning here: http://www.palliativecarewa.asn.au/policy.php.
- How to order 'Dying to Know' - 12-Jun-2009
A gentle, lighthearted and well-informed book about dying, death, bereavement and living well, 'Dying to Know - Bringing Death to Life' has proved to be very popular in all parts of our community . You can learn more about the book, and order bulk copies, by visiting the website of Pilotlight, the tiny social change charity based in Sydney which first published it in 2007: http://www.pilotlight.org.au/Dying-to-Know. (Please note that the latest reprint of DTK has a blue cover with two old dudes jumping off a jetty.)
- Updated report on syringe drivers in palliative care released by PCA - 12-Jun-2009
Palliative Care Australia has updated its report on the different models of infusion devices which are available for use in palliative and end of life care in Australia. You can download the report from the PCA website: http://www.palliativecare.org.au/Default.aspx?tabid=1943.
- Federal Government funding for palliative care - 12-Jun-2009
The Australian Government for Minister for Ageing, Hon Justine Elliott MP, announced funding for palliative care during National Palliative Care Week in late May 2009: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr09-je-je071.htm?OpenDocument&yr=2009&mth=5. At the time of the Federal Budget, we noticed a few mentions for palliative care, but not much detail (see the news of 13 May 2009 at http://www.palliativecarewa.asn.au/news.php). Palliative Care Australia has calculated $113M under the palliative care expenditure line in the forward estimates (ie after 01 July 2010) - we assume this will form the substance of a renewed National Palliative Care Program (the current $62.8M program ends 30 June 2010), but await more information. In addition, we expect a small sum will flow to palliative/end of life care as a result of the COAG agreement on hospital and health workforce reform negotiated in late 2008 (http://www.coag.gov.au/intergov_agreements/federal_financial_relations/docs/national_partnership/national_partnership_on_hospital_and_health_workforce_reform.pdf).
- Dr Norman Swan speech - 12-Jun-2009
Dr Norman Swan, host of ABC Radio National's 'Health Report' addressed a meeting of federal parliamentarians in Canberra on 27 May 2009 as part of National Palliative Care Week. You can read an edited transcript here: http://www.palliativecare.org.au/Portals/46/Norman%20Swan%20-%20presentation%20-%20breakfast%20at%20parliament.pdf
- New book: 'Managing Pain in Children, A Clinical Guide' - 28-May-2009
'Managing Pain in Children, A Clinical Guide' features contributions by Stephanie Dowden, the Nurse Consultant at the WA Paediatric Palliative Care Service. More information on the book is available at www.wiley.com.
- Rear Vision program on the history of palliative care - 28-May-2009
ABC Radio National aired an excellent half-hour history of palliative care on their regular 'Rear Vision' program yesterday (27 May 2009). The audio downloads and written transcripts are available on the ABC website: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/rearvision/stories/2009/2576992.htm.
- Australian Government funding for palliative care - 28-May-2009
A couple of the slightly puzzling expenditure lines in the recent Federal Budget make more sense after the Minister for Ageing, The Hon Justine Elliott MP, yesterday (27 May 2009) announced $14.4M in funding to support local organisations providing palliative care, for equipment, and to update the National Palliative Care Strategy (which is now nearly 9 years old). The Minister's media release can be accessed from the Department of Health and Ageing's website: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr09-je-je071.htm. The National Palliative Care Strategy is available online too: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/palliativecare-pubs-npcstrat.htm~palliativecare-pubs-npcstrat-3.htm.
- WA Minister for Health announces funding for palliative care services development - 26-May-2009
The Hon Dr Kim Hames MLA, WA Minister for Health, announced a significant funding package to develop palliative care services in WA at the launch of National Palliative Care Week in Perth this morning. You can read the Minister's media release here: http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx?ItemId=131929&. Read Palliative Care WA Inc's response to the announcement here: http://www.palliativecarewa.asn.au/downloads/PCWA-WA-Govt-Funding-Media-Release-2009.pdf. You can also see our original 2008 State Election 'manifesto' on our website: http://www.palliativecarewa.asn.au/advocacy.php.
- New pages at Caresearch - 26-May-2009
Caresearch Knowledge Network has reviewed their web pages for patients, carers, families and friends and those for GPs - a lot of new information has been added: http://www.caresearch.com.au/caresearch/AboutCareSearch/News/WhatsNewonCareSearch/tabid/168/Default.aspx.
- 'EoL' magazine and PCA E-Bulletins - 26-May-2009
Palliative Care Australia has just released the very first edition of 'EoL' magazine, a forum for policy ideas and debate in the area of palliative and end of life care. I have a limited number of copies here at the office - email me if you would like me to post a copy to you (first in best dressed). Look out for this excellent new publication at your workplace. PCA has also released their regular E-Bulletin for May 2009 (incorporating National Palliative Care Week) and a Federal Budget Supplement - both available here: http://www.palliativecare.org.au/Default.aspx?tabid=1485.
- National Palliative Care Week - resources now available from PCA - 13-May-2009
National Palliative Care Week runs from 24 to 30 May 2009. The theme this year is 'If only I knew... Finding answers to questions that help us live and die as best we can.' An order form for the full range of information resources developed by Palliative Care Australia is available at http://www.palliativecare.org.au.
- Palliative Care for Undergraduates - latest newsletter available online - 13-May-2009
The PCC4U project is an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, through the National Palliative Care Program. It aims to promote the inclusion of palliative care education as an integral part of all medical, nursing and allied health undergraduate education. You can learn more about the project, and the download the 14th issue of the Project Newsletter, at www.pcc4u.org (this will redirect to the correct page on the Caresearch website).
- 'The Standard' National Standards Assessment Program newsletter now available online - 13-May-2009
Palliative Care Australia manages the National Standards Assessment Program. The NSAP process is a continous quality improvement program based on the PDSA (plan-do-study-act) cycle, applied to the 'Standards for providing quality palliative care for all Australians', published by Palliative Care Australia in 2005. The 5th edition of the 'The Standard', the newsletter of the NSAP, is available online at http://www.palliativecare.org.au/Default.aspx?tabid=1758. The NSAP website is: http://www.standards.palliativecare.org.au/.
- 'The Centrepiece' newsletter of the Centre for Palliative Care Research and Education online - 13-May-2009
The Centre for Palliative Care Education and Research is a joint venture between St Vincent's Hospital and the University of Melbourne. The website is www.pallcare.unimelb.edu.au, where you can also access the Centre's newsletter, 'The Centrepiece'.
- Federal Budget 2009 - palliative care gets a mention - 13-May-2009
The Federal Budget for 2009-10 was handed down last night, 12 May 2009.
Here is the link to the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing's homepage, which includes buttons to download the relevant Budget documents: http://www.health.gov.au/.
Palliative care falls under Outcome 10 - Health System Capacity and Quality. You can download the specific papers for this area here: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/budget/publishing.nsf/Content/2009-2010_Health_PBS_sup2/$File/Outcome%2010%20-%20Health%20System%20and%20Capacity.pdf. This section is 32 pages long - use the 'find' function on your internet browser software to find the palliative care mentions.
Palliative Care Australia has issued a media release: http://www.palliativecare.org.au/Portals/46/Federal%20Budget%202009%20-%20PCA%20media%20release.pdf.
Visit www.palliativecare.org.au, the website of Palliative Care Australia, to sign up on PCA Connect - you will then automatically receive the national E-Bulletin and other information.
The WA State Budget is due to be presented on 14 May 2009. - IPP-SHR Podcasts - 22-Apr-2009
The International Program of Psycho-Social Health Research, located at Central Queensland University, provides a regular podcast on their website at www.ipp-shr.cqu.edu.au/podcasts. Recent topics include communications issues when deactivating defibrillators at the end of life, and the experiences and perceptions of end of life palliative care nutrition and hydration.
- Caroline Jones - 'Through a Glass Darkly' - 22-Apr-2009
ABC broadcaster Caroline Jones has recently published a book detailing her grief after the death of her father entitled 'Through a Glass Darkly'. Listen to Caroline's intruiging interview with Jane Caro on ABC Radion National's 'Life Matters' on 20 April 2009 here: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/lifematters/stories/2009/2543540.htm.
- 01 April 2009 edition of the PCWA State Bulletin - 22-Apr-2009
Many thanks to all who entered into the spirit of April Fools Day this year by congratulating me on my selection to ride the Tour de France, as announced in the PCWA State Bulletin of 01 April 2009. I will be thinking of you when the race begins in early July (as I watch the live broadcast on SBS from home).
- New information pages at PCWA website for consumers and health care providers - 2-Apr-2009
Palliative Care WA Inc is pleased to announce that new information pages for both consumers and the general public, and health care providers, have been added to our website - just point your browser at www.palliativecarewa.asn.au and follow the menu prompts on the left. The new pages use a simple question and answer format to provide summary information and directions to detailed resources about a range of important topics. Feedback on the format and content of the pages will be gratefully received.
- UK's National Council on Palliative Care - 2-Apr-2009
The UK's National Council for Palliative Care maintains a useful website at http://www.ncpc.org.uk/ - the Newsroom page includes links to a range of recent publications about end of life care policy development in Britain (thanks GG for the link).
- New Advance Care Planning in WA Position Statement - 23-Mar-2009
Palliative Care WA Inc has adopted a new Position Statement on Advance Care Planning in Western Australia. You can view the Position Statement at http://www.palliativecarewa.asn.au/policy.php (the Policy page on our website).
- 'Hope and Hurdles' - Resource for women with secondary breast cancer - 5-Mar-2009
The 'Hope and Hurdles' pack is a free kit for Australian women diagnosed with secondary breast cancer containing booklets, a CD and other resources. It includes information about treatments, support options, useful contacts and resources, tips for partners and carers and practical suggestions and messages of hope from other women living with secondary breast cancer. Women can order a pack at no cost from Breast Cancer Network Australia, see www.bcna.org.au or phone 1300 887 340.
- Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach - PEPA - 5-Mar-2009
PEPA is alive and well in Western Australia. Visit the website at www.pepaeducation.com or email Kathy Parr here in Western Australia (pepa@cancerwa.asn.au) for more information.
- National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission Interim Report - 18-Feb-2009
The National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission released an Interim Report yesterday, 17 February 2009. The Report includes important information about palliative and end of life care in several areas, notably Chapter 7 (http://www.nhhrc.org.au/internet/nhhrc/publishing.nsf/Content/BA7D3EF4EC7A1F2BCA25755B001817EC/$File/CHAPTER%207.pdf) which is entitled ‘Caring for people at the end of life’. Palliative Care Australia’s initial response is a media release, which you can read here: http://www.palliativecare.org.au/Portals/46/PCA%20e-bulletin%20Supplement.pdf. We note this is an interim document and anticipate some changes (including mention of the National Standards Assessment Program) will emerge in the final version in June 2009.
- Cochrane Collaboration – Systematic Reviews of the Evidence - 13-Feb-2009
A quick scan of the Cochrane Collaboration’s ‘Plain Language Summaries’ about evidence for a range of palliative care interventions in the Cochrane Collaboration’s Database of Systematic Reviews, shows that there is an urgent ongoing need for high quality research in many areas. Abstracts for all Systematic Reviews in the Cochrane Library are available for free at www.cochrane.org – simply type a key term into the box on the right.
- PCA Interim Position Statements online - 6-Jan-2009
In recent months Palliative Care Australia has been working to develop a series of detailed Position Statements regarding matters relevant to palliative and end of life care. Five Interim Position Statements are now available for comment - you can view them on the Palliative Care Australia website at www.palliativecare.org.au. The topics are:
-- carers and end of life
-- advance care planning
-- primary health care and end of life
-- residential aged care and end of life
-- voluntary euthanasia and physician assisted suicide.
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