Orange Push 4 Palliative wishes to acknowledge the wonderful work of the Orange Health Service Palliative Care team.

They do an invaluable job with individuals and families  - providing caring & professional support - at some of the most challenging stages for families when palliative and end of life care is needed.

At no stage are we critical of their wonderful work. 

They enter people’s lives and provide expert professional care.

But there are not enough staff, and there have been no designated palliative care beds since the new hospital was opened in 2011. 

This represents a significant service gap for Orange that is not reflected across the state.

Most large rural and regional cities, and even smaller communities have access to palliative care bed facilities.

Our advocacy relates to the importance of providing options and choices for people needing end of life care. What happens to the younger person who requires end of life care?

We believe that it is not desirable for them to be nursed in a a general medical ward or aged care facility - particularly when they have their young families visiting.

The Local Health District (LHD) has announced that they will fund the provision of four palliative care beds for a 12 month trial period. These beds are to be outside the hospital - in another facility.

This is a fantastic step forward.

Our current issues surround the length of time it is taking to implement this decision: to announce the successful tenderer, and to provide the service.

The dates and timelines given by the LHD are repeatedly not met. OP4P initially raised the issue of external Palliative care beds with the LHD in September 2017. We initiated contact with Dudley Private Hospital and assisted in discussion with GPs to provide the medical service.

Until there is the option of  dedicated palliative care beds, some families are disadvantaged.

We believe that everyone has the right to best practice, and a full range of options and choices in end of life care.

We totally support the wonderful work of the Health Service palliative care team, and we will continue to ‘push’ for improvements and enhancements for our wonderful Orange community.