Palliative care investment welcomed

Palliative Care Australia (PCA) has welcomed NSW Government’s investment in palliative care and commended Palliative Care NSW (PCNSW) in laying the groundwork for improved funding.

The NSW Government will invest $743m over the next five years on top of the $300 million spent in the state each year, which will boost jobs and resources across palliative care services in NSW.

PCA CEO Camilla Rowland said the investment is welcome news for the palliative care sector and the people of NSW, who will gain better access to the care needed at the end of their lives.

“There are such fantastic palliative care services in NSW, and it’s so heartening to know these services will be receiving additional staffing and resources to reach more people.

“The NSW community will now have more access to high-quality palliative care and better choices when diagnosed with a life-limiting illness to ensure they receive the respect and dignity they deserve at the end of their lives.

“We are particularly pleased with the focus to improve access in rural and regional areas where people cannot access palliative care unless they travel long distances, often hundreds of kilometres, to find a service.”

While this is a positive development for NSW, Australia’s palliative care sector is chronically underfunded and under-resourced, forcing people to face traumatic end-of-life experiences.

PCA has developed its palliative care roadmap to guide decision-makers on the investments and initiatives needed to deliver high-quality palliative care for all Australians who need it.

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