Kevin Anderson - Palliative Care Week

RECOGNISING LOCAL ADVOCATES

THIS PALLIATIVE CARE WEEK

Caring for a loved one during the latter stages of their life is a deeply personal time requiring love, care and strength. Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson MP said National Palliative Care Week is a strong reminder of the importance of having conversations, raising awareness, and advocating for palliative care.

“When someone enters palliative care, it is a very difficult time for patients, their families and their friends and they deserve the utmost support and care,” Mr Anderson said. “It’s a tough topic, and people don’t tend to discuss the importance of high-quality palliative care until they need it. In our region, the staff and clinicians of the Nioka Palliative Care Unit do an outstanding job in providing high-quality compassionate clinical inpatient care. Local advocacy group Friends of Nioka have been instrumental in supporting that ward for many years, working hard to advocate for patients and improved services in the region.”

Friends of Nioka’s Bryan Singh said the support of health workers and clinicians throughout palliative care is critical. “Palliative care is critical for patients and families through one of the toughest times of their lives. We appreciate the support of Government and Hunter New England Health in delivering services both in Nioka Palliative Care Ward, and for patients in their home.”

Mr Anderson worked with Friends of Nioka to win a commitment for a $21m upgrade to the palliative care unit, which will double its capacity from 6 beds to 12. “Friends of Nioka recognised that the ward needed to be bigger, and offer more support to patients and families, so doubling the size is a great outcome,” Mr Anderson said. “There will also be a room where families can stay, meaning when someone is near the end of life, their families will be able to stay with them.”

Construction on the upgraded Nioka Palliative Care Unit has begun and expected to be completed in early 2027.