Rural people have palliative care choice
People in rural areas faced with making decisions about palliative care have help and advice available locally, the Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop, said today.
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15 September 2005
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People in rural areas faced with making decisions about palliative care have help and advice available locally, the Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop, said today.
"Patients, carers and family members in rural communities can ask their GPs about the palliative care choices available to them," Ms Bishop said, while launching a Community Service Announcement at Parliament House in Canberra.
The announcement, which will be shown on regional television stations, has been prepared by the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP). It has been funded by the Australian Government under its $5 million Rural Palliative Care Program.
"The TV message will raise awareness of palliative care and encourage people to see their GPs for local information on the care that is available," Ms Bishop said.
"Palliative care is a team approach that helps patients and their carers meet physical, psychological and spiritual needs, and involves GPs, medical specialists and nurses. Other support workers including volunteers, bereavement counsellors and pastoral and spiritual carers also have a role to play."
The Rural Palliative Care Program, which is running in eight rural communities across Australia, promotes links and information about locally-available palliative services within communities. The TV message launched today will be supported by posters and brochures containing information about palliative care, which will be provided to GPs.
"The program will help ensure that, for all people with a life-limiting illness, quality of life is maintained, and support is provided to enable them to die with dignity in a setting of their choice," Ms Bishop said.
"Palliative care is a fundamental part of the Australian health care system.
"The eight rural palliative care projects are linking services across regions, offering education and training to staff and improving coordination of care through, for example, 24-hour 1800 numbers that will support both patients and carers."
Further information is available at: www.health.gov.au/palliativecare
Media contact: Kay McNiece 0412 132 585
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