AS the state government dishes out a “record” amount for palliative care, local advocates are making sure the New England gets its fair-share.
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They better make sure they get it sorted out in Tamworth, then I can go back to my day job.
- Mitch Williams
The NSW budget will invest in additional $100 million in palliative care services over the next four years, including six specialists for regional NSW.
Tamworth’s loudest voice for increased community services, Mitch Williams, said it goes back to the Hunter New England Health district to make sure any additional staffing is dispersed evenly.
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“They better make sure they get it sorted out in Tamworth, then I can go back to my day job,” Mr Williams said.
Mr Williams praised the government for quick action following the roundtable meetings on palliative care last held around the state last month.
The package also includes a program for 300 nurses and allied health staff to take up palliative care training.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said resources needed to be expanded.
“We want the community to have confidence and choice in their end-of-life care and this budget is a giant leap towards that outcome,” Mr Hazzard said.
What’s in the NSW budget for palliative care
- Palliative care training for 300 nurses and allied health staff ($900,000)
- 300 scholarships for rural and regional staff to enhance palliative care skills ($300,000)
- An additional six palliative care specialists in rural and regional areas ($2.4million)
- Two specialist positions to provide relief to other specialists in rural and regional areas ($795,000)
- An additional 30 palliative care nurses providing care in hospitals, homes and nursing homes ($5 million)
- Community-based palliative care services in Western Sydney, including a 24 hour, seven day a week on-call specialist palliative care service at home ($6.9 million)
- The development of comprehensive and integrated palliative care services, in line with community expectations and need ($1 million in 2017- 18 as part of a $22 million investment over four years)
- Community pharmacy initiatives to improve medication management for palliative care patients ($200,000)
Jacob McArthur
Jacob McArthur is opinions editor for The Canberra Times and Australian Community Media. As part of the Canberra Times' production team, he helps the people of Canberra and beyond get the stories they need, when they need them across a range of platforms, while helping maintain a high editorial standard. Before moving to Canberra in 2020, he started with Australian Community Media in 2015 as a journalist for The Northern Daily Leader in Tamworth where he kept a close eye on Tamworth Regional Council. Jacob was also the co-host of ACM's Water Pressure podcast where he and Jamieson Murphy took a deep dive on issues and key decisions arising during one of the region's worst droughts on record.
Jacob McArthur is opinions editor for The Canberra Times and Australian Community Media. As part of the Canberra Times' production team, he helps the people of Canberra and beyond get the stories they need, when they need them across a range of platforms, while helping maintain a high editorial standard. Before moving to Canberra in 2020, he started with Australian Community Media in 2015 as a journalist for The Northern Daily Leader in Tamworth where he kept a close eye on Tamworth Regional Council. Jacob was also the co-host of ACM's Water Pressure podcast where he and Jamieson Murphy took a deep dive on issues and key decisions arising during one of the region's worst droughts on record.
