Enduring connections at Ballarat Hospice Care

BALLARAT Hospice Care is acknowledging anniversaries of staff and volunteers who have provided care, compassion, willingness, skills and time to people at the end of their life.

Collectively, a group of five staff and one volunteer have delivered over 140 years of service.

Specialist palliative care nurses, Debbie Hubble, Mandy Martin and Leanne Burns are marking 20 years of service each. Sharon Moss, in the same profession, has reached 25 years.

Medical director, Dr David Brumley has given 23 years and Kath Connors, a volunteer, has served for 34 years.

Mrs Moss was a volunteer in 1995 before becoming a specialist palliative care nurse. She was acknowledged at the Ballarat Hospice Care annual general meeting.

“We love the work we do. We learn every day and it’s an honour to be with patients and their families at one of the hardest times of their life,” she said.

“If you did not love the work, you would not be here.”

Ballarat Hospice Care CEO, Carita Clancy said the anniversaries are a “celebration of enduring connections.”

“This is something we treasure and don’t take for granted,” she said.

“Having a team with a special calling, who are dedicated, loyal and willing to care for people at the end of their life is what makes our profession so unique.

“Combine this with a deep knowledge, an extensive specialist skill set and expertise to care for patients, carers and families, and we are positioned well.”

The impact of COVID-19 has significantly increased demand for specialist palliative care services in the home.

Pre-COVID-19, Ballarat Hospice Care expected to care for an average of 166 patients in their homes at any given time during 2020.

This year they are caring for an average of 200 patients; a 20 per cent increase on projections.

Ms Clancy said it’s been a challenging year on many fronts, but these
“enduring connections” in the organisation, amongst area hospitals and with general practitioners are a “special advantage.”

“It is through those connections and partnerships that we are better able to meet demand and face the COVID-19 pandemic challenges so that we are there for patients,” she said.

 

– BY MICHELLE MACGILLIVRAY