People at the end of their lives will soon have better access to high quality and compassionate palliative care, closer to home.
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East Grampians Health Service is set to receive $35,557 as part of the state government’s $5 million equipment fund for palliative care.
Western Victoria MP Jaala Pulford said the funding would help give the heath service tools they needed to support people and carers to provide care at home.
“It will ensure more people in the local area with terminal illnesses can spend their last days at home with their family, friends and loved ones,” she said.
Community palliative care agencies provided care and support to nearly 17,000 Victorians in the last year.
“These agencies play an essential role in supporting people with terminal illnesses who wish to die at home,” Ms Pulford said.
“We are supporting people in Ararat and district who have a terminal illness to be cared for, and die, in their place of choice.”
Minister for Health Jill Hennessy also announced the second round of the state government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund and, for the first time, be expanded to include publicly funded community palliative care services.
The $200 million fund, the largest of its kind in Victorian history, will rebuild rural and regional hospitals to ensure Victorians can access better quality care and facilities.
Grants could also be used to build new or remodel existing facilities to provide greater comfort for patients and enable doctors and nurses to deliver safer and more efficient care.
Health services could also apply to buy equipment including furniture, fittings, and medical equipment or upgrade essential infrastructure such as plant equipment, systems to reduce power and water usage and information and communications technology.
Ms Hennessy said every Victorian should be able to access compassionate end-of-life care.
“This fund will make a real difference for seriously ill patients and their families by improving access to the community palliative care they need,” she said.
“When community palliative care services are involved in someone’s end-of-life care, they are more likely to be cared for, and die, in their place of choice.”