LETTER TO THE EDITOR | 'My plea' to help the region maintain access to specially equipped palliative care

I would like to sincerely thank all those involved in ensuring the terrific palliative care offered to my husband, myself and our family recently.

We were brilliantly assisted in dealing with the unexpectedly fast decline in my husband's health and his battle with cancer.

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The team from Orange Health Service, led by Lou Christie, visited us at home three times in a week, providing amazing physical, mental and emotional assistance.

Orange Base Hospital could not be faulted in its provision of services, but unfortunately could not provide a single room, despite requests from the oncologist.

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Being in a four-bed ward with three other very sick patients was difficult for all.

Then the Parkwood Solution - the four-bed service available to Orange Health Service patients provided at Uniting's Parkwood facility in Prince Street which is specifically designed to be family-friendly.

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This long-awaited palliative care facility began a 12-month trial in March, so is already halfway through this funded trial.

My plea to the State Government is to please ensure the residents of Orange and surrounding areas have continued guaranteed access to the specially equipped Parkwood facility.