ORANGE’S Push for Palliative community group is using Palliative Care Week this week to ask the people of Orange and district to share their experiences of a family member or friend who has used palliative care services.
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“We are aware that people have had a variety of experiences, either in a hospital or with a loved one dying at home, and people find themselves in a situation where they cannot always access the type of care they are after,” spokesman Bernard Fitzsimon said.
“We want people to tell us their stories. We know that there has been dislocation of people who are receiving palliative care, not always in the place they would prefer.”
Mr Fitzsimon said the group was in the process of contacting general practitioners and specialists to talk about what they perceive is the best model for palliative care services in Orange and district.
“Once we have gathered these stories it will enable us to take the next step and take the concerns of residents to our local member,” he said.
Orange’s Push for Palliative group was formed after a public meeting held earlier this year, which ws attended by residents, general practitioners and medical specialists.
At that meeting more than 50 people indicated they wanted to be part of a community committee to lobby for improved palliative care services, with the options of a separate private treatment area accessible to families 24 hours a day on the agenda as well as a potential palliative care hospice.
Push for Palliative will host stalls on Friday and Saturday at the Summer Centre, Orange Central and Orange City Centre between 10am and 2pm.
“We really encourage people to come along and speak with us and to sign our petition,” Push for Palliative chairperson Tracy Wilkinson said.
l If you have a palliative care experience you would like to share with our readers email janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au.