Rural Palliative Care Project
Project Coordinator: Winsome Watts
Description
Between 2008-10 the Shoalhaven Division of General Practice is participating in the Rural Palliative Care Project. This is an Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing project whereby 36 rural and remote divisions of general practice or consortia of divisions are funded to implement nationally key elements of the previous Rural Palliative Care model.
The Rural Palliative Care project aims to:
- provide sustainable models of rural palliative care service delivery for the Shoalhaven community;
- deliver access to quality, co-ordinated palliative care featuring timely treatment and clear referral pathways for Shoalhaven residents.
The project seeks to enhance and ensure linkages and co-ordination among existing service providers, both primary and tertiary, and to identify and fill gaps in service provision. The project is not designed to develop or provide new palliative care services.
Division GP Support
Education
Education for general practitioners and practice nurses is available through the Rural Palliative Care project.
Community Partnerships
A local governance committee has been established to meet quarterly to strengthen partnerships and advise on any aspects and gaps in palliative care services within the Shoalhaven.
Local Contacts
Local Community Palliative Care Service
South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service (SESIAHS) -
Phone: 02 4424 6300 or Fax: 02 4223 8455
Karinya Palliative Care Unit
David Berry Hospital 85 Tannery Rd, Berry.
Ph: 02 4464 6928
Volunteer Service
Nowra Community Health Service
Ph: 02 4424 6300
Palliative Care Counsellor
Nowra Community Health Centre
Ph: 02 4424 6300
Feedback
General practitioners with an interest in local palliative care services are invited to contact [Winsome at sdgp dot org dot au] to discuss this project and related palliative care issues.
Additional Resources
Shoalhaven Palliative Care and Oncology Service Directory - for Patients & Carers, June 2010
Shoalhaven Palliative Care & Oncology Service Directory - for General Practitioners, June 2010