ORANGE’s upcoming Palliative Care Forum to be held at the end of the month has attracted top medical experts and speakers from across the state and locally, and is vital to inform the people of Orange about their options, according to Orange’s community group Orange Push for Palliative chairwoman Tracy Wilkinson.
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Ms Wilkinson said the forum initiative is seen as essential in informing the community about palliative care and end of life issues, which confront families in Orange and district.
“Our group formed 12 months ago as a result of a public meeting and the group was unanimous in wanting to move ahead with this type of forum to help the community,” Ms Wilkinson said.
“There is a lot of mis-information and confusion in the community about services available in Orange and district and what can be accessed for palliative and end of life care.
“We have worked hard to attract an experienced group of health professionals and we really want the community to join with us and be part of the forum,” she said.
Guest speakers will include Gail and Juliette O’Brien who are the wife and daughter of celebrated cancer surgeon Dr Chris O’Brien.
Ms Wilkinson said since Dr O’Brien’s death, his wife has become a powerful advocate for “good palliative care” and his daughter Juliette has published a book on her mother’s life living with and caring for her cancer surgeon husband in his final days.
NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner was invited to the forum and due to a prior engagement has sent NSW Public and Population Health chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant to speak from the NSW Health perspective.
South Western Sydney Local Health District Palliative Medicine senior staff specialist Professor Amanda Walker has also accepted an invitation from Push for Palliative to address the forum.
“Of course we will also have Dr Yvonne McMaster who is a retired palliative care specialist and mastermind of NSW Push for Palliative who has been instrumental in helping us set up on the Orange group,” Ms Wilkinson said.
Ms Wilkinson said Orange’s Push for Palliative is delighted Orange Health Service is working with the group to present the forum.
The form is on May 29 at Orange Ex-Services’ Club.
The $5 entry fee is to cover the cost of refreshments.
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au
