Palliative Care Services in our Region
This page features links for clinicians and community members to information on palliative care services in the Hunter New England Central Coast region.
Palliative and End-of-Life Care
The PHN is funded under the Greater Choice for At Home Palliative Care (GCfAHPC) measure which aims to improve palliative care coordination. Being cared for and dying at home is most people’s preference. This initiative aims to help make that possible.
Palliative care helps people live as fully and as comfortably as possible following the diagnosis of a life-limiting, chronic or terminal illness. Palliative care is person-centred care to support people’s quality of life as a result of effective pain and symptom management, and holistic assessment of physical, psychological, social, emotional and spiritual needs including support for family and carers.
End-of-life care refers to the care provided in the final weeks and days of life, including planning for end-of-life care and the support of families and carers, and care of the person’s body after their death.
Current PHN Initiatives Include:
- Hunter New England Central Coast Palliative Care Needs Assessment
- Establishment of Palliative Care & Care for Older People Reference Group
- Palliative Aged Care Outcomes Program (PACOP)
- Education events for Primary Care Professionals
- Syringe Driver provision and training for eligible Residential Aged Care Facilities
- Participation in working groups and co-design workshops with Central Coast Local Health District and Hunter New England Local Health Districts.
- Hunter New England and Central Coast HealthPathways
Current Palliative and End-of-Life care initiatives
Palliative Aged Care Outcomes Program (PACOP)
The PHN is proud to partner with The University of Wollongong (UOW) in the implementation of PACOP in RACFs (Residential Aged Care facilities) in the HNECC PHN region.
Grief and Bereavement Support
This page provides links to information, resources and support for people experiencing grief and/or needing bereavement support.
Palliative Care Resources, Education and Training for Clinicians
Features links to resources and education to inform and equip health professionals working in palliative care, including information relating to residents of RACF and end of life law, as well as online education modules and presentations.
Palliative Care Resources for Patients and Carers
A collection of palliative care information, links and resources about palliative care for patients and carers.
Palliative Care Resources for First Nations People and Carers
This page contains palliative care information and resources to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are receiving palliative care, their carers and health professionals.
Paediatric Palliative Care
A collection of palliative care links and resources about palliative care for children.
Dementia - Timely Diagnosis and Management
PHN activities help to improve the timely diagnosis, management, and support of people in the region who are living with dementia, as well as their carers and families.
Advance Care Planning
This section contains information, links and resources about advance care planning for patients, carers, GPs and health professionals.
Voluntary Assisted Dying
The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2022 passed through the NSW Parliament on 19 May 2022. The legislation will come into effect from 28 November 2023 after an 18-month implementation period.
Palliative and End-of-Life Care team
Collaboration with stakeholders is crucial to help us understand emerging issues and their impact on the community, focus on the right topics at the right time and develop resources that are fit for purpose. We value your contributions and invite you to connect with us by contacting the Manager, Palliative Care and Care for Older People or the Senior Project Officer, Palliative Care.
Latest Palliative and End-of-Life Care news
February 06 2024
End-of-Life Care Coordination Program to Pilot in Newcastle
The End-of-Life Care Coordination in Primary Care Pilot Program has been developed in response to needs identified in the PHN’s Palliative Care Needs Assessment.
September 12 2023
End of Life Care
The Greater Choice for at Home Palliative Care measure (GCfAHPC) provides funding for coordinating palliative care through PHNs. As being cared for and dying at home is most people’s preference, the initiative aims to help make that possible. A recent Palliative Care Needs Assessment identified the need for an End of Life Coordinator, a role that will be commissioned in a pilot program in the Hunter region.