Nioka has alternative option for Palliative Care
JOINT PUSH FOR AN ALTERNATIVE PALLIATIVE CARE OPTION
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has joined Friends of Nioka (FoN) to explore a new model that could deliver better outcomes for palliative care patients who may not require the high-level care of the Nioka ward.
Mr Anderson invited FoN Vice President Bryan Singh to meet with the Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor on a recent visit to Tamworth to introduce a model that would increase support for patients receiving in-home care.
“Friends of Nioka are a dedicated support team of volunteers and friends who raise funds to enhance palliative care services at home and at Nioka,” Mr Anderson said.
“Their work has resulted in real positive outcomes for our community so when they came to me with a proposal to enhance palliative care in our region, I was very keen to work with them to see what more could be done to support patients.
“Following a meeting with the Regional Health Minister in August, the Minister was keen to hear more about the proposal. That information has now been provided and I look forward to continuing to work with Friends of Nioka to advocate for better services in our region.”
Friends of Nioka Vice President Bryan Singh said the group had been working with the support of local health professionals on fine-tuning a proposal to government that would fill a gap in services currently available.
“The Friends of Nioka have identified a need for a palliative care respite for the Tamworth region,” Mr Singh said.
“Many palliative patients choose to be cared for in their own homes 24 hours per day by friends and family. There are occasions where the carers need respite from this role, due to health, fatigue, or other commitments.
“There is currently nowhere that offers these carers the ability to leave the patients in a comfortable, safe and caring environment. Friends of Nioka has been working in consultation with Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson to investigate provisioning such a facility for Tamworth.”