Anam Cara renews call for government support to expand

ANAM Cara House Geelong is again requesting additional funding support from the Victorian government ahead of this year’s state budget in bid to boost community access to the facility’s palliative care services.

The facility is seeking $3.5 million annually to open four public beds, able to provide 24/7 care and take pressure of broader healthcare system, and to support its Living Well Day Palliative Care Program.

It is not the first time Anam Cara has applied for additional funds from the Victorian government. Last year, the palliative care service requested $2 million to allow it to accommodate guests without private health insurance.

The request was knocked back, with the government advising at the time its intention to maintain its existing palliative care funding arrangements to maintain continuity for patients, their families, the workforce and local services.

Anam Cara’s latest funding request was a key topic of discussion during a recent visit to the facility by Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin and Shadow Minister for Health Georgie Crozier.

“It’s clear that Anam Cara is not only delivering clinical excellence but providing the kind of care every person deserves with a life-limiting illness or at the end of life,” Mr Battin said.

“This is a model that should be supported and expanded.”

Ms Crozier, meanwhile, has long advocated for greater funding for Anam Cara to “ease the load” on Barwon Health, previously raising the issue in parliament with the Health Minister.

“Anam Cara continues to set a benchmark for person-centred care.

“It’s impact on the Geelong community is significant and its potential to serve more communities should be recognised.”

Anam Cara chair Diana Taylor said the visit reinforced the need for palliative care to be treated as essential, government-funded healthcare that everyone in the Geelong community should be able to access.

“We are grateful to Mr Battin and Ms Crozier for recognising the importance of our work and the difference that a government supported Anam Cara could make to this region.

“Choice is palliative care options must be sustainably funded by government to ensure communities can access quality, dignified care of their choice, no matter their circumstances.”

Anam Cara is also struggling to fund its final stages of planned upgrades.

The project received support from the former federal Coalition government, including a $5 million commitment in 2016 and an additional grant in 2021, but $940,000 of the 2021 grant was later withdrawn.