New resources to support children with life-limiting illnesses and their families
On the 23rd January 2018 Minister for Health the Hon. Greg Hunt MP launched new resources for paediatric palliative care at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
“I am proud to launch these resources that will assist families going through some of the toughest times of their lives. It’s important that everyone involved in caring for the child is able to access high-quality information, and this website provides that. I thank the clinicians from Paediatric Palliative Care Australia and New Zealand and Palliative Care Australia for their hard work in updating these resources,” Minister Hunt said.
Palliative Care Australia (PCA) CEO Liz Callaghan says the new resources about paediatric palliative care have been designed for parents, their community and health professionals.
PAPCANZ Chair Sara Fleming says the new resources will help health professionals prepare and plan for a child’s care in collaboration with families. “Children with life-limiting illnesses can often have contact with a palliative care team for many months or even years. Throughout this time it’s vital that all of the health professionals involved in their care are aware of the evidence based palliative care information to support their practice. Paediatric palliative care improves the quality of life of a child by treating their symptoms such as pain, but by also providing emotional and social support to their whole family. These resources will equip families with accurate information that will empower them to be more involved in decision making about their child’s care,” said Ms Fleming.
The resources can be accessed at www.palliativecare.org.au/children
