Recognising our efforts to improve end-of-life care

This week, WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is marking National Palliative Care Week by reflecting on the improvements we've made to how we support our patients with end-of-life care.

WACHS recognises that the care provided in the final stages of a person’s life can have a profound impact on the individual, their loved ones and their community.

Since 2020, we have more than doubled our palliative care workforce and have enabled more patients to access care closer to home with the establishment of 10 new palliative care hubs across regional WA, bringing the total to 17.

In February 2022, we launched the Palliative Care Afterhours Telehealth Service (PalCATS) to provide expert care, advice and support to an increasing number of palliative care patients and their families.

This service provides timely support and care to patients admitted via Emergency Telehealth Service (ETS) and Inpatient Telehealth Service (ITS). To date, more than 100 patients have connected via the service.

Additionally, our in-home domiciliary Palliative Care Support Packages are now benefiting more than 165 families across country WA. 73 per cent of patients accessing these packages request to die at home, and this choice is now very achievable.

Importantly, WACHS is continually improving equity by investing in palliative care support for Aboriginal people.

Newly created Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer positions form part of our multidisciplinary palliative care teams, working with specialists to connect Aboriginal people with end-of-life services that reflect their spiritual connection to country and family.

WA Country Health Service recognises that the care provided in the final stages of a person’s life can have a profound impact on the individual, their loved ones and their community.

To find out more about National Palliative Care Week, visit the website.