Four decades of care

THE state’s second oldest palliative care organisation, the Hospice Foundation Geelong is marking its 40th anniversary this year.

Founded by GP Trevor Banks and colleagues in 1982, at a time when the discipline was relatively unknown in Australia, the foundation now supports people and patients, and the organisations that support them, throughout the greater Geelong region as they navigate the end of life.

When Barwon Health took over responsibility for the delivery of clinical palliative care in the region in 2001, the foundation broadened its focus to helping other organisations deliver care through education, respite funding, home support, workforce support and various grants.

Relying largely on philanthropic support, the foundation now partners with Barwon Health on a range of initiatives that improve peoples lives at times of great stress.

The Have a Go Program supports people to fulfil bucket lists and leave lasting memories, like Amanda, who after becoming an in-patient in 2021 was able to make a day trip to Anglesea with her children and granddaughter Rosie.

“She made some beautiful memories that day and talked about it often,” her family said.

The program also supported Amanda’s desire to make two hand casts, one with her sister Jacquie, and one with Rosie, that will serve as a lasting memory of her.

“It is such a privilege to serve our community in this way,” organisation chair Sue White said.

The volunteer-run and foundation funded Backyard Blitz Program from Barwon Health is yet another spirit lifting initiative that’s resulted in 200 yard makeovers around greater Geelong in five years.

Another partnership between the regions health service and foundation is the Life Stories Program, where volunteers compile and transcribe the life stories of palliative patients that are then presented to their families.

A foundation grant has also enabled Barwon Health to employ an inclusive practice project officer Jen Walsh, for a 12-month project that focuses on improving end-of-life care for LGTBIQA+ people.

Beneath the decades’ long evolution of the foundation, observed local GP Dr Deb Harley, the impact and involvement of the “pioneer” founder Dr Banks is still evident.

“The concept of people care rather than disease care, and addressed symptom management, spiritual and existential care as well as carer support, as part of the total care of his patients,” Dr Harley said.

For more information about Hostpice Foundation Geelong visit www.hospicefoundationgeelong.org.au