ORANGE Health Service says it has taken a huge step forward in the provision of palliative care services with the appointment of extra specialist nurses so the hospital can provide round-the-clock care for patients requiring palliative treatment in the hospital and the community.
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“This means at 2am in the morning our palliative care nurse can go out to offer care in the community to palliative patients who we have been caring for,” director Sue Patterson said.
Until now no specialist palliative care nurses had been provided by the hospital to care for patients at night.
“Working in palliative care is very challenging and it is not for everyone and not easy to recruit people, but I believe we have a fantastic team of nurses and ancillary staff making up our palliative care team now,” Ms Patterson said.
Orange Health Service formed a community consultative committee late last year and invited members of the community to give their input to the hospital on issues surrounding the provision of palliative care.
Chair of that committee, Col Begg, believes there is now a stronger focus on expanding the provision of palliative care services in the hospital and in the community.
“They [Orange Health Service] are really listening and we are very fortunate there are some dedicated people led by director of nursing Sue Patterson who are passionate about improving palliative care,” Mr Begg said.
Palliative care clinical nurse consultant Belinda Carman said the palliative care team had set up a system with the Ambulance Service of NSW in Orange and district. A registered care plan and other treatment options are available to paramedics as soon as they receive a call to attend a particular address for a patient.
“That may mean a patient may not have to be transported but can be administered medication by a paramedic under the care plan,” Ms Carman said.
Palliative care occupational therapist Hilary Britton said the hospital provided pressure beds, oxygen equipment and other support aids in the home for patients who made the choice to be palliatively cared for at home.
“That equipment can make a very big difference to the comfort of patients and their families in the home environment and we provide it at no cost,” Ms Britton said.
The palliative care staff includes five full-time nurses and two part-time nurses. A social worker, dietician and occupational therapist are also involved in the care program of palliative patients.
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au
