The Cancer Council NSW has welcomed the $100 million allocated to palliative care services throughout the state.
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Cancer Council programs coordinator and former Narromine resident Camilla Thompson (nee Barlow) said this is a much needed boost to Western NSW.
“We collected over 1000 pledges in the Dubbo and Narromine area alone,” she said.
“This went a long way in demonstrating to Troy Grant the community support of palliative care and the need for improvements in the local district.”
We collected over 1000 pledges in the Dubbo and Narromine area alone, that goes a long way.
- Camilla Barlow.
Her own father, Tony Barlow, is one person who has pledged his support to the program.
Palliative care provides essential care and support to people living with a terminal illness.
It allows people to maintain their quality of life in a way that is meaningful to them.
Special palliative care also provides support and advice to GPs and other health care professional so they can continue to be involved in their patients care.
The announcement comes after years of campaigning by Cancer Council NSW and its community of advocates in Western NSW.
“We are thrilled to see the NSW Government taking action in this regard and congratulate them on their positive funding commitment,” she said.
This is a significant boost to palliative care funding, which will make a real difference to people’s lives.
“When someone has a terminal illness, they deserve the best possible care and support, whenever and wherever it’s needed.
“This is why improving access to palliative care in the Narromine area and Western NSW is a priority for Cancer Council NSW, and something we have been drawing to the government’s attention for a number of years,” Mrs Thompson said.
Access to specialist palliative care is a particular gap in NSW and Cancer Council NSW welcomes the additional nursing and physician positions made possible by this funding commitment, as a first step to addressing the shortage of specialist palliative care.
“In addition to specialist palliative care, one of our priorities in the Cancer Council NSW I Care for Palliative Care campaign is to ensure culturally appropriate palliative care for Aboriginal people,” Mrs Thompson said.
“We look forward to discussing with Government how this package of initiatives will address the needs of Aboriginal people and families in Western NSW who need palliative care.
“For years, CanAct community volunteers, Push for Palliative campaign leaders and Cancer Council staff have kept the need for more palliative care in the hearts and minds of our politicians, and this response shows they have listened,” she concluded.
People who are interested in joining the NSW community of advocates to help influence and change what politicians do about cancer are encouraged to visit www.canact.com.au.
