Palliative care boost for terminally ill

MORE people with a terminal illness living on the Bellarine will be able to get the compassionate in-home palliative care and support they need, thanks to a state government funding boost.

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville recently announced that Bellarine Community Health would receive $106,092 this year to expand its in-home palliative care services, where nurses work with individuals and families facing a life-limiting illness.

“We know most people want to die at home, close to family and loved ones,” Ms Neville said.

“This boost will give people with a terminal illness on the Bellarine more support to be cared for at home.”

BCH chief executive officer Shane Dawson said Bellarine Community Health welcomed the additional funding for palliative care services from the state government.

“In particular, I would like to thank the local member Ms Neville for her support of the work undertaken by BCH,” Mr Dawson said.

“The additional funding comes at a time when Bellarine Community Health has experienced an unprecedented increase in demand for palliative care services, so this funding will allow us to support more people in their homes and will help us model our palliative care services to meet the growing needs of our community.

“BCH has established a Palliative Care Advisory Group headed by prominent palliative care Physician, Dr David Brumley.

“The advisory group is looking at how this additional funding can help us expand our palliative care services, including our ongoing commitment to providing a nurse on call service.”