East Kimberley Palliative Care team take home award

WA Country Health Service's East Kimberley Palliative Care team has been named Western Australia’s Outstanding Team Delivering Holistic Palliative Care at the 2023 Palliative Care Awards.

Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer Regina (Reggie) Bernard, Clinical Nurse Abbey Robinson and Clinical Nurse Palliative Care Jeff Brooks make up the award-winning team. 

Together, the team provide holistic, end-of-life care that focuses on the patient’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs - ensuring their family and carers are involved at every step of the way.

Abbey told us the team takes an innovative and a whole-of-community approach to providing palliative care in the East Kimberley.

“We think outside of the box,” she said.

“Life in the Kimberley is unique, so it’s no surprise that palliative care out here is too.

“Improving people’s quality of life and giving them a ‘good death’ takes a whole team and having conversations with patients.

“We work alongside partner services, families and other community members – without their dedication and love, our patients would not be able to remain at home to receive care,” she added.

Abbey said the team was firmly focussed on improving access to culturally safe, holistic end-of-life care that acknowledges spiritual connections to country and community for Aboriginal people.

“We’re incredibly lucky to have Reggie, our Aboriginal Health Officer, on our team,” Abbey said.

“She‘s a great resource and support when caring for our Aboriginal patients and their families,” she said.

Reggie said being able to access clinical care that meets cultural needs is important to Aboriginal communities and it’s the team’s role to listen to their needs during their end-of-life journey.   

“Whether it happens at home or in the local hospital they are just happy to be on Country and have their family with them,” she said.

“Our palliative care team works to achieve goals that support our patients and their families.”

Reggie also said it is a privilege to know she is making a difference in her community.

“Winning this award means I know my role is helping engage with my first nations people and our non-indigenous patients.”

A well-deserved award – thank you Regina, Abbey and Jeff for supporting our country communities.