- E-Health Pilot Programs - 23-Jan-2012
Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek MP and Minister for Communications Senator Stephen Conroy today announced the The NBN Enabled Telehealth Pilots Program. The program aims to benefit Australians living in rural and remote areas which have early access to the National Broadband Network (NBN) by providing high quality healthcare services, particularly in aged care, cancer care and palliative care, using telehealth services in the home. Organisations will be eligible to apply for funding to implement sustainable, scalable and robust pilots that demonstrate new or improved models of health service delivery made possible by the NBN. Draft program guidelines are available here. Read more about the Pilot Program here (PDF, 1 page, 46 Kb). Palliative Care Australia had this to say about the announncement (PDF, 1 page, 73 Kb).
- Grants: CaPCREU Small Grants Scheme - Applications due 07 Mar 12 - 18-Jan-2012
The Cancer and Palliative Care Research and Evaluation Unit (CaPCREU) offers grants of up to $20,000 per grant to fund research and/or audits that complement studies funded by other organisations (eg National Health and Medical Research Council or Cancer Council WA). Research must impact directly on cancer and palliative care services in WA. Applications close 07 March 2012, funding commences from 01 July 2012. Guidelines and application forms are available from CaPCREU by sending a note to this email address, or by calling 08 9346 3161. General information is shown in this flyer (PDF, 1 page, 61 Kb).
- Conference: Death Down Under - Dunedin 28-29 Jun 12 - 18-Jan-2012
The Death Down Under Conference will be held in Dunedin, New Zealand, on 28-29 June 2012. The organisers have called for papers - these are due by 31 January 2012. You can learn all you want about the conference by visiting the website.
- Symposium: Sydney Institute of Palliative Medicine - 14-15 Mar 12 in Sydney - 12-Jan-2012
The Sydney Institute of Palliative Medicine will present their 21st Annual Symposium at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown, Sydney, on 14 and 15 March 2012. The title is Retrospective - 30 years of palliative medicine hospital consults. Guest speakers include Drs Jim Cleary, David Brumley, Michael Barbato, Paul Glare, and Kerrie Noonan (director of the Groundswell Project). This is a free event. RSVP by 09 March 2012 to fax 02 9515 6768 or sipm@sswahs.nsw.gov.au, or call 02 9515 8793 for more information.
- Policy: PCWA Feedback on Draft Chronic Conditions Framework - 9-Jan-2012
The WA Department of Health released a draft Chronic Health Conditions Framework 2011-16 (PDF, 1.66 Mb, 40 pages). More information is available on the news page at the Health Networks website. Palliative Care WA Inc provided feedback (PDF, 147 Kb, 8 pages) in mid-November 2011. In January 2012 the Department responded to our feedback with this letter (PDF, 1 page, 373 Kb).
- PCWA WA State Budget Submission FY13 - 9-Jan-2012
Palliative Care WA Inc has released its submission to the WA State Budget for the year ending 30 June 2013. You can view the submission here (PDF, 7 pages, 128 Kb). The office of the Minister for Health wrote back to Palliative Care WA Inc in early 2012, read the response here (PDF, 2 pages, 790 Kb).
- Workshop: PCOC Assessment Tools - 22 Feb 12 in Perth - 4-Jan-2012
The Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration will hold a workshop at St Catherine's College at the University of Western Australia on Wednesday 22 February 2012 too look at the use of assessment tools in palliative care practice. Registration information is available here (PDF, 1 page, 116 Kb).
- Education: Elizabeth Foley on CBT & Kindness in Cancer Care - 19 Jan 12 in Perth - 4-Jan-2012
Sydney-based psychologist Dr Elizabeth Foley will present on two topics at an educational meeting beginning at 6.00 pm on Thursday 19 January 2012 at the Auditorium at St John of God Hospital in Subiaco:
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Based Therapy for Cancer Patients: Current Evidence and State of Play
- Kindness in Cancer Care.
The meeting is presented by the WA Clinical Oncology Group (WACOG). Download this flyer for more information and to register, or call 08 9212 4375. Registrations close 17 January 2012.
- Blue Skies - Helping Children Cope With Loss - 16-Dec-2011
Blue Skies is a bereavement program for children aged 8 to 12 who are grieving the death of a parent or primary carer. The two-day programs are run in Perth several times each year. Please contact palliative care social workers Belinda Hughes (08 9242 0289) or Shelly Skinner (0416 344 024) during business hours for more information, or visit this website.
- New Book: Aged Care, Who Cares? Where? How? And How Much? - 01 Dec 11 in Perth - 25-Nov-2011
A new book by Noel Whittaker and Rachel Lane aimed at people about to enter aged care is called Aged Care: Who Cares? Where? How? and How Much?
- McLarty Palliative Care Scholarships - 25-Nov-2011
The McLarty Palliative Care Scholarships (PDF, 2 pages, 505 Kb), offered by the Cancer Council WA, are open to registered nurses and allied health professionals working or interested in palliative care and who seek to complete a Post Graduate Certificate, Post Graduate Diploma or Masters in palliative care or a relevant field. Applications for 1st semester close 20 January 2012, for 2nd semester applications close 29 June 2012.
For further information please contact (08) 9382 9300 or visit the Cancer Council WA Scholarships website to download the application form and guidelines. - Senate Enquiry into Palliative Care In Australia - 25-Nov-2011
The Senate resolved, on 23 November 2011, to hold an enquiry into palliative care in Australia. The terms of reference are broad, ranging from looking at issues around access and choice of services to funding of services, models of care, advance care planning, research and the quality of data. Submissions are due by 02 March 2012 and the committee will report by 12 September 2012. Read more about the enquiry and the submission process on the Senate website.
- Report: Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration in WA - Jan to Jun 11 - 25-Nov-2011
The Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration (PCOC) has released a series of reports covering activity from January to June 2011 (Report 11). You can download national reports, plus reports for each of the larger states from the PCOC website: www.pcoc.org.au.
- Conference: Ageing & Spirituality - 26-28 Sep 12 in Canberra - 23-Nov-2011
The Centre for Ageing and Pastoral Studies is organising their 6th National Conference. The theme is Ageing and Spirituality: Linking the Generations. The venue is University House at the Australian National University in Canberra, dates are 26 to 28 September 2012. Abstracts are due 23 March 2012. Visit the website or contact the Centre on 02 6272 6205 or caps@csu.edu.au for more information.
- WA Palliative Care Conference: Outside the Box - 05 Oct 12 in Perth - 23-Nov-2011
SAVE THE DATE! The WA Palliative Care Conference will be held on 05 October 2012 in Perth. The theme is Outside the Box. SAVE THE DATE!
- Report: Carers of family and friends in country WA - 23-Nov-2011
In October 2011 Carers WA published an excellent 12 page report on Carers of family and friends in country Western Australia: The services they have, the services they need (PDF, 2.04 Mb, 12 pages). The report is essential reading for all who provide health services in rural WA, and those who plan and fund them.
- Position Statement: The needs of siblings of children with disability/chronic illness - 23-Nov-2011
The Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists has released a position statement on Addressing the needs of siblings with children with disability or chronic illness. You can read the position statement and the accompanying report which details the issues and evidence, plus endorse the position statement, at the RANZCP website. If you would like any additional information, please contact policy@ranzcp.org.
- Resource Kit: The Dementia Journey: Start the Conversation Today - 23-Nov-2011
Palliative Care NSW and Alzheimer's Australia (NSW) were funded by the Department of Health and Ageing (under the Local Palliative Care Grants Program - Round 5) to create a resource kit called The Dementia Journey: Start the Conversation Today. The materials are targetted at the general community and non-specialist community care providers, and aim to improve the quality of care provided to people with dementia who choose to die at home. While some of the information is specific to New South Wales, people in other jurisdictions will find much of value here. Access the resource kit online, or call Palliative Care NSW on 02 9206 2094.
- Conference: 19th International Congress on Palliative Care - 09-12 Oct 12 in Montreal - 23-Nov-2011
You can submit an abstract for the 19th International Congress on Palliative Care, planned for Montreal from 09 to 12 October 2012. Abstracts are due 31 January 2012. Earlybird registration closes 30 March 2012. You can hear a lot of the sessions in French if you want. All the information you need is at the website: www.pal2012.com.
- National Framework for Advance Care Directives - 19-Oct-2011
The Clinical, Technical and Ethical Principal Committee of the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council released a National Framework for Advance Care Directives (PDF, 76 pages, 2.25 Mb) in September 2011. This national policy framework recognises the wide variation in Australian advance care directives and describes goals for policy and practice all jurisdictions should strive to achieve.
- Report: Trends in Palliative Care in Australian Hospitals - 19-Oct-2011
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released Trends in Palliative Care in Australian Hospitals - October 2011, which updates data last collected in 2000. You can read Palliative Care Australia's media release on this topic here (PDF, 2 pages, 103 Kb).
- Workshop: Dignity Therapy with Prof Harvey Chochinov in Perth 26-28 Mar 12 - 19-Oct-2011
The WA Centre for Cancer and Palliative Care at Curtin is organising a 2.5 day Dignity Therapy workshop with Prof Harvey Chochinov (of the University of Manitoba [in Canada]) here in Perth from 26 to 28 March 2012, at a cost of $600. The Centre has already had a HUGE response, so if you are interested complete this rego form (PDF, 3 pages, 214 Kb) and return it pronto. Contact Jo Hale at j.hale@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 1760 for more information.
- Training Program: Talking about end of life - 19-Oct-2011
The WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network is presenting a free training program for residential aged care facility staff aimed at improving:
- the identification of people who would benefit from a palliative approach
- provision of palliative and terminal care in residential aged care facilities
- case review for those residents who die.
The program includes training days and mentoring of palliative link teams in participating facilities. The training venue is the Cancer Council WA's Seminar Room at 15 Bedbrook Place in Shenton Park. Read more about the program, including contact details for the project officer, here (PDF, 1 page, 170 Kb).
- October 2011 Edition of 'Palliative Caring At Home' Available Now! - 19-Oct-2011
The October 2011 edition of Palliative Care WA Inc's excellent booklet Palliative Caring at Home is now available from the office, simply email us on pcwainc@palliativecarewa.asn.au, call 1300 551 704 or complete this form (PDF, 1 page, 68 Kb) to order free copies (we will charge postage on orders of 10 or more booklets). You can download a web version of the booklet here (PDF, 287 Kb, 35 pages). Special thanks to Brightwater, who all helped pay for the cost of producing the booklet.
- Recent Media - 19-Oct-2011
We've had a steady run of media attention of late:
- palliative care in multicultural Australia on SBS - 14 Oct 11
- Bill Silvester and Karen Detering on advance care planning in the MJA - 17 Oct 11
- Brian Le and Michael Chapman on ethics, competence and capacity in the MJA - 17 Oct 11
- Bill Silvester in The Australian - 17 Oct 11
- ABC Radio National's Australia Talks - 11 Oct 11.
- New Book: 'Touching Rainbows: Acknowledging the Child's Voice in Palliative Care' - 19-Oct-2011
The International Children's Palliative Care Network released a new book, Touching Rainbows: Acknowledging the Child's Voice in Palliative Care (PDF, 1 page, 1.44 Mb) to mark World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on 08 October 2011. The Network is also promoting this short video on paediatric palliative care, on YouTube's 'Life Before Death' Channel.
- Alzheimer's Australia WA Training and Education - 14-Oct-2011
Alzheimer's Australia WA Ltd runs an extensive education and training program for people living with dementia, families and carers and health and aged care professionals. You can access a list of training events here - and download a PDF of the calendar for 2011 (see the upper right hand corner for the link). Regular sessions include:
- Positive dementia care - (monthly)
- Experiencing dementia - (monthly)
- Depression and dementia
- Special topics in hospital dementia care
- Younger onset dementia
- Loss and grief (for family carers).
Please book online at www.alzheimers.org.au, or call 1800 100 500 for more information.
- Conference: Advance Care Planning & End of Life Care - 17-19 May 12 in Chicago - 14-Oct-2011
The International Society of Advance Care Planning and End of Life Care will hold their 3rd conference from 17-19 May 2012 in Chicago. Abstracts can be submitted here, they are due by 20 January 2012. The theme is 'Informed choices: Keeping the person at the centre of care'.
- New Palliative Care WA Inc Executive Committee - 3-Oct-2011
The Palliative Care WA Inc Annual General Meeting was held on the evening of 27 September 2011. The Executive Committee for the 2011-12 year is:
- Andrew Allsop - President - elected 2010
- Stephen Carmody - Vice President - elected 2010
- John Robinson - Honorary Secretary - elected 2011
- Susie Vojkovic - Honorary Treasurer - elected 2011
- Glenys Thomas - General Member - elected 2010
- Robyn Ellis - General Member - elected 2010
- Samar Aoun - General Member - elected 2010
- Karen Richardson - General Member - elected 2010
- Stephanie Dowden - General Member - elected 2011
- Dr Ashwini Davray - General Member - elected 2011.
The terms of Dr Scott Blackwell (Immediate Past President, and current President of Palliative Care Australia), Dr Erica Davison (Honorary Secretary) and Karen Neale (Honorary Treasurer) all came to an end at the meeting. On behalf of all members of Palliative Care WA Inc, we thank Scott, Erica and Karen for their important contributions, as office bearers, to the development and management of the organisation.
Executive Committee meetings are held on the afternoon of the 4th Thursday of each month. Members should contact the Executive Officer for more information about the Executive Committee.
- 'We need to talk about death' - Yvonne Luxford in The Australian - 01 Oct 11 - 3-Oct-2011
Palliative Care Australia CEO Dr Yvonne Luxford wrote on the need to talk about death in the National Affairs section of The Australian newspaper on 01 October 2011.
- Recent UK Publications of Interest - 3-Oct-2011
Some recent UK publications of interest:
- Environments for Care at the End of Life - by the King's Fund (ISBN: 978 1 85717 625 4)
- Route to success: The key contribution of nursing to end of life care - by the NHS End of Life Care Programme
- Opioids in Palliative Care - by the NHS National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence (in progress)
- Finding the Words: Communications Skills Work Book - by the NHS End of Life Care Programme.
Ups to St Christopher's Hospice for the links.
- Survey: Current practice in caring for people with cancer pain - 14-Sep-2011
Researchers at the University of NSW and the Improving Palliative Care Through Clinical Trials (ImPaCCT) collaborative are conducting a survey of the current practice of Australian health professionals in the management of cancer pain. Information from the survey will contribute to the development of a national guideline and implementation strategy for assessing and managing cancer pain. Learn more about the survey here, or contact Dr Tim Luckett at t.luckett@unsw.edu.au or 02 9514 4861.
- Guidance: Two documents about palliative care released by NHMRC - 14-Sep-2011
The Australian Health Ethics Committee at the National Health and Medical Research Council released two important new documents on 08 September 2011:
- An ethical framework for integrating palliative care principles into the management of advanced chronic or terminal conditions provides guidance for health professionals
- Living well with an advanced chronic or terminal condition: how ethics help: a guide for patients, families and carers, a practical guide for consumers and their families.
The information is designed to guide the ethical aspects of the care of people of all ages who have advanced chronic or terminal conditions, and in particular at the time of transition to palliative care. The publications give patients and those who care for them thought provoking questions to ask each other. These questions are based on the values of clinical integrity, respect for persons, justice and benefit to the person receiving palliative care.
Both documents are available for download from the NHMRC website.
- Video: Understanding Pain: What to do about it in 5 minutes - 14-Sep-2011
Check out this excellent new Australian YouTube video on pain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b8oB757DKc.
- 'Guidelines for a Palliative Approach for Aged Care in the Community Setting' - 14-Sep-2011
The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing has published the long-awaited Guidelines for a Palliative Approach for Aged Care in the Community Setting on their website. There is a link to an order form for a range of related publications and information resources on the same page. The new Guidelines complement the 2006 document, Guidelines for a Palliative Approach in Residential Aged Care - Enhanced Version.
- 'National Carer Strategy' - 14-Sep-2011
The Australian Government has published the National Carer Strategy, which contains a vision, an aim and six important priority areas for action – recognition and respect, information and access, economic security, services for carers, education and training and health and wellbeing. Collectively, these priority areas outline how the contribution of Australia’s carers will be better valued, supported and shared.
- Symposium: Whole Person Care - late Mar 12 in Sydney - 14-Sep-2011
The aim of this Symposium is to introduce the concept of whole person care to health professionals and to provide insight into strategies to improve patients’ wellbeing - but also health professionals’ wellbeing. The target audience includes health care workers involved in the care of patients with life-limiting or terminal illnesses: medical and radiation oncologists, general practitioners, palliative care specialists, surgeons, physicians and others. Confirmed speakers include:
- Prof Harvey Chochinov, University of Manitoba
- Prof Tom Hutchinson, McGill University
- Dr Lisa Marr, Univerity of New Mexico Hospital.
Preliminary information available here or from the organisers on 02 9368 1200.
- Radio: Dignity Therapy on NPR - 12 Sep 11 - 14-Sep-2011
National Public Radio broadcast a great story on Dignity Therapy on 12 September 2011. Click here to listen or read the transcript. Hat tip: BB @ WACCPC.
- Special Offer: Free Access to Palliative Care Journals via IAHPC - 14-Sep-2011
IAHPC Special Announcement – Free Access to Palliative Care Journals
IAHPC offers free access to the CINAHL database to allow non-members (individuals) access to palliative care peer-reviewed journals. This benefit is normally only available to paid-up IAHPC members. The IAHPC system facilitates access to the CINAHL database to potential members for a trial period of 30 days. After the trial period you may keep benefiting from this service by joining as a regular member. Membership is good for one year.
Take advantage of this offer by completing a brief registration form at http://hospicecare.com/submit/forms/trial_registration.htm -- no fee will be charged. You will receive by email a confirmation and access codes within 24 hours.
This trial will offer unlimited access / downloads of full text articles from leading palliative care journals online including:
- Journal of Palliative Medicine
- Palliative Medicine
- Progress in Palliative Care
- International Journal of Palliative Nursing
- Journal of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy
- And many more!This trial does not entitle the individuals to the other IAHPC membership benefits. To learn about the full membership benefits, go to http://www.hospicecare.com/join.htm
Before the completion of the 30 days, trial registrants will receive a notice from IAHPC informing them that the trial period will be expiring soon with an invitation to join as a regular member.
International Association Hospice and Palliative Care
5535 Memorial Dr. Suite F - PMB 509
Houston TX 77007 USA
1-936-321-9846 - Education: Ageing and Pastoral Studies in 2012 - 29-Jul-2011
Charles Sturt University offers avenues for personal and professional enrichment through courses that will prepare and train you in methods of providing holistic care to older adults:
- Graduate Certificate in Ageing and Pastoral Studies
- Graduate Diploma of Ageing and Pastoral Studies
- Master of Arts (Ageing and Pastoral Studies).
For more information on admission requirements, costs and application processes, visit www.csu.edu.au/courses/postgraduate/ageing_pastoral/course-overview.
- CareSearch Update - 12-Jul-2011
Latest updates and additions on the www.caresearch.com.au website include:
- delirium
- June 2011 edition of Nurses Hub News
- another 25 systematic reviews added to the Review Collection
- information on upcoming conferences and events in Australia and overseas.
Visit the 'What's New on CareSearch' page for the all the relevant links.
- 'Grief Matters' Journal & 'Grief Brief' Newsletter - 12-Jul-2011
The Autumn 2011 edition of the journal of the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement, Grief Matters, is about grief in schools. The Centre has also released the July 2011 edition of their regular newsletter, the Grief Brief.
- Consultation: WA Primary Health Care Strategy - 8-Jul-2011
The Primary Care Health Network at the WA Department of Health has been tasked with developing a strategy for primary health care in this state. Palliative Care WA Inc has submitted this feedback (PDF, 2 pages, 85 Kb). Hardcopies of the End of Life Framework Forum's publication Health system reform and end of life: A guidance document (PDF, 96 pages, 675 Kb) are available from this office. The Commonwealth's strategy can be seen online here.
- Report: England's Palliative Care Funding Review - 8-Jul-2011
An independent team reviewed palliative care funding in England. The team's website is comprehensive and easy to use. The report of the review (PDF, 99 pages, 4.1 Mb) was published in July 2011 and it includes information and insights that may be of use in the Australian context, in particular the idea of creating a fair and transparent funding system for palliative care, and the idea that the funding model defines the model of care, and hence the outcomes for people and communities.
Annex 3 of the report includes a summary of the use of AN-SNAP data to determine palliative care service funding levels in New South Wales, which may (or may not) be used as the framework for funding inpatient palliative care under the national activity-based funding system envisaged by the Commonwealth government's health reform program.
- International Palliative Care Poster Exhibition - 8-Jul-2011
The 2011 International Palliative Care Poster Exhibition is now live - visit the website for all the information you need, and to view other resources made available by the Palliative Care Network Community.
- National Palliative Care Consensus Statement and Call to Action - 8-Jul-2011
Palliative Care Australia convened a national stakeholder forum at Parliament House in Canberra on 26 May 2011 (during National Palliative Care Week). One of the outcomes of the forum is this Consensus Statement and Call to Action (PDF, 4 pages, 100 Kb), with background information available in the media release (PDF, 2 pages, 75 Kb).
- Resource: 'The Patient's Choice: Quality at the End of Life' - 1-Jul-2011
The Rural Health Education Foundation has produced a DVD and learning guide about advance care planning for end of life care. The Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing has funded the resource, which is available for free. A range of other resources are sold by the Foundation, some of them may be viewed online at no cost. Call 02 6232 5840 for more information.
- New Book: 'Becoming Dead Right...' - 1-Jul-2011
Francis Shani Parker, an American writer, has written Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes, which includes stories, general information and original poems that explore palliative care, nursing homes, dementia, death preparations and bereavement. The paperback editions is available in some bookstores and online at outlets like Amazon - simply google the complete title.
- Radio: Background Briefing - 12 Jun 11 - 1-Jul-2011
ABC Radio National broadcast a program about advance care planning on the Background Briefing program on 12 June 2011. Check out the podcast, transcript and listener comments at: www.abc.net.au/rn/backgroundbriefing/stories/2011/3238493.htm.
- Medicare Locals Announced - 10-Jun-2011
Palliative Care Australia's media release (PDF, 1 page, 142 Kb) welcomes the announcement by the Commonwealth Minister for Health and Ageing on 06 June 2011, of the first 19 Medicare Locals. The first two WA Medicare Locals are North West Metro and Country South West, which will operate from 1 July 2011. More Medicare Locals will be announced in due course, and you can learn more about what they do, and view maps of the coverage of the two WA Medicare Locals, here.
- WA Community Activity Grants Program - 10-Jun-2011
The WA Department of Communities runs the Community Activity Grants Program. Funding of up to $2,500 is available to enable community organisations to develop projects that meet the Department for Communities’ strategic directions and priorities. Applications may be submitted at any time. Projects must meet one or more of the following objectives:
- strengthening relationships between non government community sector providers
- enhancing the capacity of non government community sector providers to deliver services to the community
- developing and establishing networks between non government community sector providers, government, business and the community
- responding to identified community related issues/needs that are aligned with the department’s strategic priorities.
Please contact the Grants and Contracts Officer for more information by telephoning (08) 6217 8400 or email grants@communities.wa.gov.au.
- Report: 'Palliative Care for Older People: Better Practices' - 10-Jun-2011
The World Health Organisation has published Palliative Care for Older People: Better Practices. The report explains and applies the WHO health systems (PDF, 5 pages, 2.19 Mb) approach.
- New Palliative Care Service - South Metropolitan Perth - 7-Jun-2011
The South Metropolitan Area Palliative Consultancy (SMAPC) includes a palliative medicine consultant, a clinical nurse consultant and a social worker, and offers free expert palliative care patient review, consultations and advisory/educational support to doctors, nurses and allied health staff caring for patients at secondary hospitals, mental health, psychogeriatric, residential aged care and correctional facilities. Referrals are accepted from any medical and nursing staff located in the south metropolitan area.
SMAPC does not provide after hours services (call either the Palliative Medicine Outreach Service on 1300 558 655 or the Silver Chain Hospice Nursing Advisory Service on 1800 420 102). Contact SMAPC during business hours at 08 9366 1462 or email smapc@health.wa.gov.au.
- Palliative Care Equipment Program - 3-Jun-2011
On 26 May 2011 The Hon Mark Butler, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, the Commonwealth minister with responsibility for palliative care, announced $3M for specialist palliative care equipment to be used in the community. You can read the Minister's media release here. The details of the program are yet to be agreed, and Palliative Care WA Inc will keep you informed of progress.
- The Groundswell Project - 31-May-2011
The GroundSwell Project engages people in creative arts projects in order to create healthier community attitudes about ageing, death, dying and bereavement. Their programs encourage story-telling across the generations, bridging the gap between young and old. If you have any questions or would like more information about The GroundSwell Project please contact Kerrie Noonan Kerrie@thegroundswellproject.com.
- ASIX - Australian Social Innovation Exchange - 31-May-2011
Australian Social Innovation Exchange (ASIX) is a non-profit company formed to find better ways of tackling social problems, and responding to growing community needs and opportunities.
ASIX is a self-help community. The first step, for those individuals or organisations wanting to become involved, is to create a profile. Then you can list projects, ask questions of the community, seek people with skills or resources, list events, offer or find out about learning opportunities.
We plan to ask Change-makers to tell us about their experiences as part of the ASIX community, as a means to refine what we offer, and report on what is being achieved.
- 'The Grief Brief' Newsletter - 31-May-2011
The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement publishes, each month, The Grief Brief, which includes a wide range of announcements and information bound to be of interest to anybody with an interest in loss, grief and bereavement.
- Local Palliative Care Grants - Round 6 - successful applicants announced - 27-May-2011
The recipients of Round Six of the Local Palliative Care Grants, administered by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, were announced 26 May 2011. We congratulate the three WA organisations which were successful:
- Civilian Maimed and Limbless Association WA Inc
- Mount La Verna Retirement Village – St Francis Hostel
- Silver Chain Nursing Association Inc.
You can view the complete list on the Department's website here.
- Albany Hospice - 27-May-2011
The Albany and Great Southern Weekender newspaper carried a story on 26 May 2011, which you can read here, about issues facing the Albany Hospice as the new Albany Hospital is constructed.
- Good Palliative Care Plan WA Aged Care Edition - 26-May-2011
We have released the WA Aged Care Edition of the Good Palliative Care Plan (PDF, 4 pages, 59 Kb). We hope aged care service providers all around the state will use a standardised NFR instrument, in order to improve resident safety and service quality.
- Radio: The National Interest - 27 May 11 at 1810 - 26-May-2011
ABC Radio National's weekly current affairs program, National Interest, will feature a panel discussion testing the idea that 'The more you talk about death, the less you fear it', which goes to air this Friday 27 May 2011 at 1810 (on 810 AM in Perth, other frequencies listed here), and again on Sunday 29 May 2011 after the midday news.
- Medical Journal of Australia - Palliative Care Feature - 23-May-2011
The Medical Journal of Australia has today released four 'Rapid Online Publications' about palliative care:
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Time to rethink end-of-life care — Editor's Choice | 23 May 2011
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“Learning health care” for patients and populations — Editorial | 23 May 2011
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Hospital and emergency department use in the last year of life: a baseline for future modifications to end-of-life care — Research | 23 May 2011
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The challenges of population ageing: accelerating demand for emergency ambulance services by older patients, 1995–2015 — Research | 23 May 2011
The MJA has published many articles about palliative care over the years - to access these type 'palliative care' into the search box on their website.
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- New edition of 'Palliative Caring at Home' online now - 23-May-2011
The May 2011 edition of Palliative Caring at Home (PDF, 35 pages, 306 Kb) is available for download from our website. There is also a link to the file from our homepage www.palliativecarewa.asn.au.
We are nearly out of hardcopies of this booklet. Please contact Will Hallahan at Palliative Care WA Inc on 1300 551 704 if you are able to help sponsor the next print-run (we are looking for about $2,800 for 1,000 copies).
- Palliative Care Australia comments on the FY12 Federal Budget - 12-May-2011
Palliative Care Australia has released these comments about the Federal Budget for the year ending 30 June 2012.
- National Palliative Care Week 2011 - Resources Available - 11-May-2011
National Palliative Care Week runs from 22 to 28 May 2011. Palliative Care Australia has released a re-vamped series of information resources, plus publicity posters, which are available here. Note you can download an order form from the Palliative Care Australia website and order these resources, in bulk, for free. Delivery usually takes about 5-7 days.
Palliative Care WA Inc will host the Annual WA Palliative Care Breakfast on Wednesday 25 May 2011 - details on our Events page, here.
- Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach - PEPA - 9-May-2011
PEPA is alive and well in Western Australia. Visit the website at www.pepaeducation.com or email Brooke Wilkinson here in Western Australia (pepa@cancerwa.asn.au) for more information.
- Palliative Care Training in WA - Professional Development Centre - 9-May-2011
The Professional Development Centre offers a wide range of training and educational opportunities to all interested in developing their understanding and skills in the fields of palliative and end of life care. Upcoming training sessions include:
- 19 May 2011 - Aged Care Workshop in Fremantle
- 07 June 2011 - Advanced Clinical Assessment in Shenton Park
- 14-16 June 2011 - Palliative Care for Patient Care Assistants & Care Aides in Shenton Park
- 22-23 June 2011 - Aboriginal Cultural Safety in Palliative Care in Shenton Park
- 30 June 2011 - Facilitating Small Groups & Presentation Skills in Shenton Park
- 05 August 2011 - Basic Pharmacology in Shenton Park.
More information, including booking forms for download and the entire 2011 calendar, is available on the Professional Development Centre website, or call 08 9382 9300, or email pdadministration@cancerwa.asn.au.
- Palliative Care Study Tour in Vietnam - Mar 2012 - 9-May-2011
Jon Baines Tours will run a palliative care study tour in Vietnam from 2 to 15 March 2012. The escorted tour travels through Vietnam and combines a series of professional visits and talks with cultural excursions. The tour is led by experienced tour leader Gilly Burn, who has been involved in developing palliative care internationally for many years.
- Clinical Guidelines: Psychosocial & Bereavement Support for Family Caregivers - 9-May-2011
The Centre for Palliative Care, an initiative of St Vincents Hospital (Melbourne) and the University of Melbourne, in conjunction with beyondblue, released Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Psychosocial and Bereavement Support of Family Caregivers of Palliative Care Patients (PDF, 56 pages, 629 Kb) in late 2010. The guidelines are concise and clear and include case examples.
- Conference: National Conference on Volunteering - 9-11 Nov 11 in Brisbane - 9-May-2011
Volunteering Australia is organising Inspire Challenge Influence: The National Conference on Volunteering, which will be held in Brisbane 9-11 November 2011. Follow the links, or call the organisers on 07 3334 4470 for more information.
- Report: PCOC National Report - Jul-Dec 10 - 18-Apr-2011
The Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration has released their report (PDF, 52 pages, 461 Kb) on participating palliative care services for the period July to December 2010. The PCOC team advise their report for Western Australian services for the same period will be available for download from the website shortly.
- Report: NSAP National Quality Report Dec 10 - 18-Apr-2011
The National Standards Assessment Program has released the National Quality Report December 2010 (PDF, 60 pages, 1.12 Mb), which provides information from 69 participating services (including 7 from WA) up to 30 June 2010.
- Legacy Project Seeks Talent - 4-Apr-2011
Melbourne-based Plus One Productions is developing The Legacy Project, which follows the 'transformational last journeys of people looking for fulfilment, peace, and a chance to leave their mark on the world'. The producers are looking for active people living with terminal illness so that they can develop their initial pilot into an ongoing series. Interested? Contact Annie Bailey for more information.
- International Year of Volunteers +10 Grants Available - 22-Mar-2011
The United Nations designated 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers. The year 2011 will mark the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (known as IYV+10).
Volunteering WA offers funding of up to $1,000 to community organisations to support both metropolitan and regional communities to celebrate this special year. Applications that reflect partnerships between local organisations to run an event or display will receive priority. Funding may be used for administration, publicity, transport, hire of equipment and/or venue, entertainment (eg hiring a band), food, or non-alcoholic beverages. IYV+10 grants will be allocated on the basis of:
- the grant being used during 2011
- preference for activities involving partnerships between local volunteer organisations
- confirmation that the conditions of funding will be met.
Visit Volunteering WA on the internet or call 08 9482 4333 for more information or to apply for a grant.
Only one IYV+10 grant will be awarded per community (defined as Local Government Authority area). However, the IYV+10 grants are offered as a one-off special funding opportunity in addition to the annual Thank a Volunteer Day Celebration Grants Program offered through the Department for Communities later in the year. Applicants may apply for both of these grants programs.
- PCWA Submission to the 2011-12 WA Budget - 25-Feb-2011
In late January 2011 Palliative Care WA Inc made a submission to Hon Dr Kim Hames MLA, Western Australia's Minister for Health, for the 2011-12 State Budget. The Minister wrote back to us on 22 February 2011 (PDF, 2 pages, 962 Kb). You can download the submission here (PDF, 16 pages, 181 Kb). The main focus is on securing resources for palliative care services in order to meet growing demand. Please contact Palliative Care WA Inc on 1300 551 704 or pcwainc@palliativecarewa.asn.au if you have any questions or suggestions for issues to be covered in future budget submissions.
- Film: 'In The End' - about end of life decision-making - 25-Feb-2011
Melbourne's Yew Tree Films made a documentary film about the challenges of end of life care decision-making in an ICU. The film, In The End, was shown on ABC TV's Compass program on 31 October 2010. The DVD of the film is now for sale - more information on the http://in-the-end.com/ website.
- Website: Dying Matters - 25-Feb-2011
Britain's National Council for Palliative Care supports the Dying Matters coalition, which aims to raise awareness about dying, death and bereavement. The coalition publishes the excellent www.dyingmatters.org website which includes information about advance care planning, services for people living with terminal illness, policy resources and training opportunites.
- New National Palliative Care Strategy Released - 10-Feb-2011
Supporting Australians to Live Well at the End of Life: The National Palliative Care Strategy (PDF, 13 pages, 275 Kb) has been released by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. Palliative Care Australia has put out this media release. Please provide your feedback and views on the new strategy to Palliative Care WA Inc by calling the office on 1300 551 704, or by sending an email to pcwainc@palliativecarewa.asn.au, by the end of February 2011.
- New Book: 'Advance Care Planning in End of Life Care' - 3-Feb-2011
Prof Anne Wilkinson of Edith Cowan Unversity contributed to a new book, Advance Care Planning in End of Life Care, which was released by Oxford University Press in January 2011. The Australian experience is described in three chapters. The editors are Keri Thomas and Ben Lobo, the ISBN is 9780199561636. You can order the book direct from OUP using this form, and get a 20% discount at the same time.
- Australasian Palliative Link International - 1-Feb-2011
Australasian Palliative Link International (APLI) is a group of Australian palliative care professionals who support the development of palliative care in the Asia-Pacific region. APLI is sometimes able to help organise for Australian clinicians to visit neighbouring countries in order to help with education and service development, and actively promotes 'twinning' between Australian services and those in other countries. Contact Dr Odette Spruyt for more information.
- 'Getting Started' Free Online - 1-Feb-2011
The International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC) has published the second edition of Getting Started: Guidelines and suggestions for those starting a hospice/palliative care service, written by Dr Derek Doyle et al. Click here to access your free copy from the IAHPC website - you can download a PDF (76 pages, 577Kb) or access all the information on HTML pages.
- Free Online Palliative Care Dictionary: 'Pallipedia' - 1-Feb-2011
Our friends at the International Association of Hospice and Palliative Care run the Pallipedia website, which is a free online palliative care dictionary. The address is http://pallipedia.org/.
- PCA Submission to the 2011 Federal Budget - 28-Jan-2011
Palliative Care Australia has made a submission to the Treasurer (PDF, 10 pages, 192Kb), outlining investment priorities for the 2011 Federal Budget. Elements include funds for:
- GPs and other specialists to provide better care in the community
- supporting palliative care consultancy services in tertiary hospital settings
- more palliative medicine trainees
- workforce capacity improvement in residential aged care
- implementing a national advance care planning framework
- a national palliative care volunteering strategy.
You can read Palliative Care WA Inc's submission to the state budget process for 2011-12 financial year here.
- Social Innovation Grants Announced - 21-Jan-2011
The WA Department for Communities has announced the Social Innovation Grants Program to promote innovation in the delivery of social and community services. Applicants must be an incorporated, not-for-profit community sector organisation. However unincorporated, not-for-profit community sector organisations may apply for funding under the auspices of an incorporated body or a local government authority.
You can apply for the Social Innovation Grants Program at any time. The current round closes at 5.30 pm, Thursday 31 March 2011. All the information you need is available on this website, or call the grants team at the Department on (08) 6217 8400.
- Productivity Commission Enquiry into Caring for Older Australians - 21-Jan-2011
The Productivity Commission is currently conducting a public enquiry into caring for older Australians. Palliative Care Australia made a submission in July 2010 (PDF, 15 pages, 135 Kb). Now the Productivity Commission has released a Draft Report, which today has generated lots of media attention. We see some positive directions, particularly in draft recommendation 8.3 which might tend to move funding for palliative and end of life care in aged care to a more sustainable footing.
- Declaration of Montreal - 20-Jan-2011
The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) has made a declaration 'that access to pain management is a fundamental human right'. The Declaration was agreed at the International Pain Summit in Montreal. You can read the entire Montreal Declaration, and add your support for it, at this website. Palliative Care WA Inc encourages you to consider supporting the Declaration.
- Professional Development Centre 2011 Calendar - 20-Jan-2011
The Professional Development Centre (part of Cancer Council WA) provides a range of educational courses about palliative care and a palliative approach for health professionals, volunteers, care assistants and interested members of the public. The Centre's 2011 Calendar (PDF, 16 pages, 896 Kb) has just been released. Features of the 2011 Calendar include visits to Perth by Bruce Rumbold and Michael Barbato, an extensive series of workshops, an extension program for those working in specialist palliative care, and a focus on rural workforce development.
- Changes to PBS Listings for Palliative Care - 4-Jan-2011
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule (PBS) includes a section called 'Preparations which may be prescribed for patients receiving palliative care'. From 01 January 2011 separate item numbers are allocated for 'initial supply' of a medication (up to four months) and 'continuing treatment'. Browse the listings online here or download the complete palliative care listing here (PDF, 18 pages, 457 Kb). You can read a general Fact Sheet on Palliative Care Medications on the PBS here.
- Evaluation of PCV Volunteer Training Resource Kit - 13-Dec-2010
An evaluation of Palliative Care Victoria's Volunteer Training Resource Kit found it is highly regarded by the managers and coordinators of palliative care volunteers. Learn more about the Kit and the evaluation at the PCV website.
- 'Let's Talk About Dying' - ABC's The Pulse - 22-Nov-2010
An interesting article dealing with communicating about dying and death on ABC's 'The Pulse' website: www.abc.net.au/health/thepulse/stories/2010/11/18/3069750.htm.
- New edition of 'Journeys' released by Palliative Care Australia - 4-Nov-2010
Palliative Care Australia has just released a new 2010 edition of the excellent Journeys - Palliative care for children and teenagers. The book is designed for the parents and carers of children and teenagers with terminal illnesses, it contains lots of practical information and useful tools, and the authors have taken great care to ensure it is all easy to navigate. You can download Journeys directly from the Palliative Care Australia website by clicking here, you can complete and fax an order form (PDF, 1 page, 125 Kb), or call the office on 02 6232 4433 for more information.
- PCWA 2010 Annual Report now available - 4-Nov-2010
The Palliative Care WA Inc Annual Report for the year ending 30 June 2010 is now available online at www.palliativecarewa.asn.au/about_wa.php. You can download a copy of the current Constitution, Strategic Plan and Membership Form from the same page, or contact the office on 1300 551 704 and we will happily send you hardcopies.
- Invitation: Join the OC for the 2012 WA Palliative Care Conference - 3-Nov-2010
The next WA Palliative Care Conference will probably be held on Friday 5 October 2012. Palliative Care WA Inc invites all those interested in joining the Organising Committee, which will start meeting in mid 2011, to contact the office on 1300 551 704 or pcwainc@palliativecarewa.org.au. The WA Palliative Care Conference is held every two years (last held on 28 May 2010). The Australian Palliative Care Confence is held every other year, the next will be in Cairns from 30 August to 2 September 2011.
- Lots of media coverage for end of life care issues - 12-Oct-2010
Recent weeks have seen a lot of media coverage for end of life care issues throughout Australia. At the Federal level the Greens intend restoring the right of the ACT and the Northern Territory to legislate for voluntary euthanasia. International figures have travelled to Melbourne for a euthanasia conference, voluntary euthanasia bills have been, or are about to be, introduced in the South Australian, Victorian and West Australian parliaments. Senator Bob Brown has introduced a bill in the federal parliament to permit the territories to make their own euthanasia laws. Recent media includes:
- a discussion on the principle of the 'double effect' in palliative care in Australia on ABC Radio National's The Philosopher's Zone on 30 October 2010
- reports on voluntary euthanasia practices in Europe and N America in The Australian of 16 October 2010
- a story about palliative care resourcing in Queensland in the Courier Mail of 13 October 2010
- an opinion piece by Palliative Care Australia President, Prof Margaret O'Connor in The Australian on 12 October 2010
- comments by Palliative Care Queensland's EO, John-Paul Kristensen in the Sydney Morning Herald on 11 October 2010
- Kate Legge on euthanasia in The Australian on 02 October 2010
- Will Hallahan in The Australian 24 September 2010.
- New PCWA Executive Committee for 2010-11 - 8-Oct-2010
The Palliative Care WA Inc Annual General Meeting was held on the evening of 7 October 2010 at St John of God Murdoch Community Hospice in Murdoch. Dr Scott Blackwell resigned the Presidency of Palliative Care WA Inc after five years to take up the same role at Palliative Care Australia from 28 October 2010. The audited financial statements (PDF, 2.6 Mb, 13 pages) for the year ending 30 June 2010 were accepted. Elections were held for several vacancies, and as a result the Executive Committee now comprises:
- Andrew Allsop - President - elected for two years 2010
- Stephen Carmody - Vice President - elected for two years 2010
- Karen Neale - Honorary Treasurer - elected for two years 2009
- Samar Aoun - General Member - elected for two years 2010
- Glenys Thomas - General Member - elected for two years 2010
- Robyn Ellis - General Member - elected for two years 2010
- Karen Richardson - General Member - elected for two years 2010
- Erica Davison - General Member - elected for two years 2009
- Scott Blackwell - Immediate Past President.
John Robinson was co-opted to the Executive Committee at the first meeting following the Annual General Meeting.
Father Joe Parkinson spoke after the Annual General Meeting and gave this address (PDF, 45 Kb, 4 pages).
Palliative Care WA Inc thanks Murdoch Community Hospice for hosting the meeting, all the members who attended and Father Joe Parkinson for helping make the Annual General Meeting a success.
- www.growthhouse.org - 22-Sep-2010
Growth House is a long-running website based in the United States of America which provides free access to lots and lots and lots of educational information about palliative care. Most of the books and articles that are provided by the site originate in North America, but many of the issues they address are relevant in Australia and elsewhere: for example, the introduction to Dr Joanne Lynn's book Sick to death and not going to take it anymore!, which emphasises the importance of reforming public policy and reshaping social arrangements to help ensure people get the care they need at the end of life, resonates with the mission of Palliative Care WA Inc. Recommended.
- Updates on www.caresearch.com.au - 6-Sep-2010
The Knowledge Network team have released a bunch of updates to the www.caresearch.com.au website:
- new Nurses Hub
- information about projects to improve palliative care for people at home
- revisions to a number of pages including those about social support, depression
- additions to the CareSearch Review Collection.
- New Book: 'Sometimes Life Sucks' - 19-Aug-2010
Palliative care stalwart Molly Carlisle, from Victoria, has written a new book called Sometimes Life Sucks. The book is designed to help teenagers navigate the loss of those they love. Contact Allen & Unwin if you want to order lots of copies.
- 'Advanced prostate cancer: A guide for men and their families' - 10-Aug-2010
The Australian Cancer Network and the Australian Prostate Cancer Collaboration have released 'Advanced prostate cancer: A guide for men and their families' (1.23Mb, 133 pages). You can order hardcopies of the Guide from Andrology Australia by phoning 1300 303 878.
- Book Reviews @ IAHPC - 9-Aug-2010
Australia's Dr Roger Woodruff has reviewed countless books about palliative and end of life care for the International Association of Hospice Palliative Care. You can see the latest reviews in the August 2010 edition of IAHPC News here:
- Handbook of Communication in Oncology and Palliative Care
- Ageing and Spirituality Across Faiths and Cultures
- Therapeutic Guidelines: Palliative Care - 3rd Edition
- CD: Peaceful Presence.
There is a link at the bottom of the page to over 100 other book reviews, arranged alphabetically by author surname.
- New information about volunteering in palliative care at PCWA website - 2-Aug-2010
We have recently uploaded new information pages about:
- being a palliative care volunteer: http://palliativecarewa.asn.au/volunteering.php
- managing or coordinating palliative care volunteers: http://palliativecarewa.asn.au/volunteering-managers.php
Please contact us if you have information which can be included on these pages.
- 'The quality of death: Ranking end of life care across the world' - white paper out now - 19-Jul-2010
The Economist Intelligence Unit (part of the Economist magazine) has, with Singapore's Lein Foundation, published a white paper on 'The quality of death: Ranking end of life care across the world' (39 pages, 3.33 Mb). In many respects Australia ranks very well.
- 'Health system reform and care at the end of life: A guidance document' - 19-Jul-2010
The National End of Life Framework Forum has completed 'Health system reform and care at the end of life: A guidance document' (96 pages, 675 Kb), which is now available on the website of Palliative Care Australia. The document includes 61 specific guidance elements, which are logically arranged using the proposed National Quality and Safety Framework developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care in 2009. The guidance document is essential reading for all who have an interest in health reform and in palliative and end of life care.
- National Health Reform - Some Analysis - 5-Jul-2010
The media has been abuzz for months about 'national health reform'. The actual process is captured in a document called 'The National Health and Hospitals Network Agreement' (57 pages, 406 Kb) which was signed by the Commonwealth, states and territory governments on 20 April 2010. On page 26 you can read that a recommendation will be made by December 2010 about whether palliative care services should remain within state/territory control or be transferred to Commonwealth control. We found a very clear, succinct and simple piece of analysis (6 pages, 110 Kb) on the website of the NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) - it includes some state-specific information but even so this will make sense to Western Australians. In an interview with Peter Meares on ABC Radio National's 'National Interest' program broadcast 02 July 2010, WA Premier Colin Barnett said that the state government basically agreed with the underlying health reforms, but not with the attached financial arrangements. The Commonwealth Government has information here about the offer which has been made to WA.
- Prof J Hughes: 'Ethical issues and decision-making in dementia care' - 22 Jun 10 - 2-Jul-2010
Prof Julian Hughes from Newcastle University (UK) gave a speech at the National Press Club in Canberra on 22 June 2010 about 'Ethical issues and decision-making in dementia care'. The speech addresses many of the practical issues people confront when making decisions with and for people with dementia, and suggests some ethical principles which can guide decision-making. The website of Alzheimers WA is an excellent resource for consumers and health professionals alike.
- Resources Guide at Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement - 2-Jul-2010
The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement (www.grief.org.au) is located in Melbourne. In addition to a comprehensive nationwide education program, the Centre publishes a very comprehensive 'Resource Guide' (24 pages, 3.5 Mb) which details the materials they have available in the following areas:
- children and adolescents
- adults
- professionals and students
- general information.
There are over 50 items shown in the Guide.
- New WA Medication Management Guidelines for Nurses and Midwives (June 2010) - 1-Jul-2010
The Nurses and Midwives Board of Western Australia released new Medication Management Guidelines for Nurses and Midwives in June 2010.
Of particular interest to Palliative Care WA Inc is Section 11 (page 6 of 16) which highlights the difference between 'stock supply' medications and 'dispensed' medications, and which explains that even S8 and S4 medications, providing they have been properly dispensed and certain other provisos are met, 'can be managed by... unregulated care providers.' This is important guidance for low care residential aged care providers who, following old guidance, have sometimes been reluctant to permit S8 medications if their facilities do not have a Poisons Permit and/or regular access to a Registered Nurse.
- Recent radio stories of interest - 28-Jun-2010
Radio National (part of the ABC) has recently aired two programs of interest to those who follow issues of end of life care and palliative care:
- Encounter - 27 June 2010 on Organ Donation
- Life Matters - 11 June 2010 on Medical Decision Making.
Follow the 'Past Programs' link for both programs to see more on death, dying, bereavement, palliative and end of life care.
- UK Guidance for doctors re treatment and care towards the EOL - 28-Jun-2010
The UK's General Medical Council regulates doctors and ensures good practice. In May 2010 the GMC published Treatment and care towards the end of life: Good practice in decision making (91 pages, 4Mb). The booklet contains a very clear explanation of the principles and ethical issues, as well as providing practical advice and clear examples. This information is certainly helpful for all health professionals and consumers may find it useful also.
- Residential Aged Care Palliative Approach Network: newsletter # 17 online - 28-Jun-2010
The 17th newsletter of the Residential Aged Care Palliative Approach Network (RACPAN) for July 2010 is now available online at the Palliative Care Australia website. This edition features a lot of information about volunteers in aged care.
- New Needs Assessment Tool for people with progressive disease - 16-Jun-2010
The team from the Centre for Health Research and Psycho-oncolgy (CHeRP) at the University of Newscastle in NSW were in Perth in early 2010 to promote the Needs Assessment Tool: Progressive Disease - Cancer. The Centre has now released a new tool to support the ongoing assessment and management of the unmet needs of people with any progressive chronic diseases (including cancer, heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and their carers: Needs Assessment Tool: Progressive Disease. Email CHeRP@newcastle.edu.au or call 02 4913 8604 for more information.
- WA Palliative Care Network Resources are now available online - 16-Jun-2010
A range of helpful resources developed by the WA Palliative Care Network at the Department of Health are now available online:
- Evidence based guidelines for adults in the terminal phase (flipbook)
- Symptom management protocol flowcharts
- Essential palliative care medication lists for community pharmacists and General Practitioners
- Essential medications list for palliative care services
- Opioid conversion chart
- Palliative care medicine and symptom guide for consumers.
Visit the Palliative Care Network's homepage at www.healthnetworks.health.wa.gov.au/cancer/palliative/index.cfm and click on 'Palliative Care Resources' to view these documents.
- 'Dying to Live' - new documentary by Perth film-maker - 26-May-2010
Trish Duke, Perth physiotherapist, broadcaster and film-maker, has released 'Dying to Live', a documentary about living and dying well structured into several episodes. The entire set is available from the My Three Dogs Productions website: www.dyingtolivetv.com. We congratulate Trish and her collaborators, especially the people who gave so much of themselves in telling their stories in the documentary, for a top job.
- Information about living wills, Advance Health Directives, Enduring Powers of Attorney etc - 26-May-2010
Palliative Care WA Inc has just finalised our web page about living wills, Advance Health Directives, Enduring Powers of Attorney, consent to medical treatment, and healthcare decision making at www.palliativecarewa.asn.au/consent.php. You can also access the page by following the 'Living Wills in WA' item on the menu which appears on each page at our website.
- National Palliative Care Week Resources Available Online - 6-May-2010
National Palliative Care Week runs from 23 to 29 May 2010. Palliative Care Australia, with assistance from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, has released a range of resources for the week including posters, postcards and brochures. All the materials are available for download at the Palliative Care Australia website, and you can also access an order form if you need bulk quantities. In general delivery times for bulk orders (which come for free from Canberra) are excellent, but it's important to place your orders early so that everything arrives in time for National Palliative Care Week.
- Local Palliative Care Grants Program (Round 5) Announced - 6-May-2010
The Commonwealth Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, announced the successful applicants for funding under the Local Palliative Care Grants Program (Round 5) on 29 April 2010. Her media release is available here. Palliative Care WA Inc congratulates the two successful bidders from Western Australia: Alzheimers Australia and the Central Institute of Technology.
- Videos about palliative care for non-English speakers now on CareSearch - 30-Apr-2010
CareSearch Knowledge Network recently announced new video presentations about palliative care are available in the following languages:
- Greek
- Italian
- Cantonese.
Learn more on the 'What's New' page at www.caresearch.com.au.
- Community Support Initiatives from Cancer Council WA - 1-Apr-2010
The Cancer Council WA is promoting two important initiatives designed to provide support to people with cancer, their partners, family and friends. The first is Cancer Connections (community, information, support), a new website located at www.cancerconnections.com.au. The second is Cancer Council Connect, a one-to-one peer support program that puts you in touch by phone with a specially trained volunteer who has had similar cancer and treatment to you. Find out more about Cancer Council Connect by calling the Helpline on 13 11 20.
- New Canteen Publication 'Now What?' - 1-Apr-2010
Canteen has recently released 'Now what? Living with the death of your parent or brother or sister from cancer', a free booklet which addresses the issues of bereavement and grief, providing information, support and advice across a range of areas that can impact on a young person whose family member has died of cancer. To order a copy, phone 1800 669 942 or visit www.nowwhat.org.au.
- New Palliative Care Australia Chief Executive Officer - 1-Apr-2010
The President of Palliative Care Australia, Prof Margaret O'Connor, announced a few days ago that a new Chief Executive Officer had been appointed to succeed Donna Daniell, who finished in that position on 31 March 2010. The new CEO is Dr Yvonne Luxford, who since 2007 has been the manager of policy and advocacy at the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in Sydney. Dr Luxford will move to Canberra to take up the role on 03 May 2010. All at Palliative Care WA Inc welcome Dr Luxford to the network.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- '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.
- 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.
- 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. - 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.
- 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.
- 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.greencemeteries.com.au/category/organisations/natural-earth-burial-society/, 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.
- 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. You can find detailed information about the Program here: http://www.dcp.wa.gov.au/SupportingIndividualsAndFamilies/Pages/BereavementAssistanceProgram.aspx.
Palliative Care WA Inc welcomes the announcement. - 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- '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.
- 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'.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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