The people behind palliative care

AT the conclusion of National Palliative Care Week, a Ballarat Hospice Care patient has reflected on his experiences.

Mike Chennell is receiving palliative care following treatment at the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre, and said the end-of-life journey is not what he expected.

He said every palliative care worker in his home has helped him relax, has been kind and friendly, and he’s felt comfortable to speak honestly.

“The people at Hospice have changed my life,” he said.

When he could “feel the doors closing,” and was initially challenged by getting up and standing, Mr Chennell’s palliative care nurses problem-solved and got equipment to assist him.

“While the journey itself is hard and it’s getting harder, the support is there for us on the palliative journey,” he said.

“The care is brilliant and everyone I’ve met is brilliant. They are professional, caring and time does not seem to be an issue.

“I recently had one of the workers from Ballarat Hospice Care sit down with me to go through an Advanced Care Plan. It was the best thing I’ve done.

“Having the Advanced Care Plan in place made it so much easier to talk to my family about my wishes.

“I have come to a place of peace and acceptance.”

National Palliative Care Week concluded last weekend and is held annually, highlighting what end-of-life health services are all about, and what people can do to prepare.

In Ballarat, patients can receive palliative care in their own homes through Hospice, or in hospital at Grampian’s Health’s Gandarra unit at the Queen Elizabeth Centre, and St John of God.

A statement from Ballarat Hospice Care said people are at the heart of what they all do.

“It’s the patients, their carers, their families, the palliative care doctors, nurses, allied health, support workers and volunteers,” the statement said.

Mr Chennell said patients referred to palliative care services in future should “go in with an open mind.”

“Be prepared to be honest, as the workers are not mind readers and one visit will change your whole attitude,” he said.