Pilbara team helping patients remain on country

Pilbara’s Palliative Care Service – delivered in partnership with Bethesda Health Care – has been named as a finalist in the 2023 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards thanks to their dedication and compassion in supporting people to remain on country during end-of-life care.

Originally delivered on a case-by-case basis, the team began to expand the service in mid-2020 at the height of the pandemic.

Today the service runs as a permanent care solution for the region, including an expansion of service from Hedland to Onslow and to Western Desert communities to the east in collaboration with Bethesda Palliative Care team.

The service now has a team of six, which includes District Medical Officers, nurses, a social worker and an Aboriginal Liaison Officer, and supported by regional pharmacy staff.

The team has developed an outstanding reputation in the community, making a difference to dozens of families so far and have committed to a continuation of this essential service.

Congratulations to all team members involved in developing this essential service on this excellent recognition of your efforts.