The state of the Hunter's palliative care will finally be discussed at a roundtable today in Newcastle.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald is hosting the discussions which will ideally help the government better tailor end-of-life care for the region.
He says the government already provides considerable support for the Hunter through Palliative Care Services with the community outreach 24 hours a day, nursing staff and a dedicated 24-hour Palliative Care Unit outreach service at Calvary Mater Hospital; but this is the perfect platform for the community to raise any and all of their concerns."This is not about us talking to them, it's about us listening to those in that sector who some have been working in that field for decades. It is changing and I've had discussions with palliative care nurses as late as yesterday and they noticed very much the changing culture and changing attitudes from society," said Scot MacDonald.
This is only the start of discussions according to the government, which can only be good news for the Hunter.
"We certainly took notice of the strong feeling in the community and this isn't going to go away. We have one roundtable now that doesn't mean now and that doesn't mean we stop. I think there should be an ongoing conversation. As its described to me this is becoming more and more demanding and more and more complex," said Scot MacDonald.
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says it's about time the government did listen, and is keen to see just what the future will hold for vital palliative care services in the Hunter.
"There's a growing demand for palliative care services in this are and we've got an increasing aging population so we need more and better services available,"
"We are the only non-Coalition seat in the state having one which is disgraceful in itself, but its good that we've got one here." said Tim Crakanthorp.
