October 29, 2013
South Burnett patients and families are benefiting from greater co-operation and co-ordination of palliative care services in Murgon, Wondai and Cherbourg, according to the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Board.
Board members, who are meeting in Murgon today, yesterday toured local facilities and were told the health service was working closely with private aged care and other health providers to improve how palliative care services operate in the region.
Board Chair Mr Mike Horan said it would be a comfort for patients and families to know what local options were available for end-of-life care.
“It’s a very stressful time for families and it’s good to know often the patients can stay in their home communities close to loved ones and friends while still being able to access appropriate palliative care,” he said.
“Staff from the Murgon, Wondai and Cherbourg hospitals and aged care facilities have been working with Blue Care and Southern Cross Care representatives to share more information, improve co-ordination, and use the same assessment tools to ensure terminally ill patients receive the best care possible.
“This also includes using telehealth services where local medical and nursing practitioners can get a video hook-up with specialist oncology teams in Toowoomba or Brisbane to seek advice on patient care options.”
Mr Horan said the local community had long been strong supporters of palliative care services close to home.
“The hospital auxiliaries and community were very involved with the establishment and refurbishment of special palliative care rooms at Murgon and Wondai hospitals,” he said.
“There continues to be great community support for these services which links closely with the State Government’s Blueprint for Better Healthcare in Queensland, which has a patient-centred focus.”
More co-ordination of palliative care services will soon be expanded to Kingaroy and Nanango hospitals. The Nanango facility has a palliative care room which also receives significant support from the community.
In other news for Murgon Hospital, the Board has approved $300,000 to be spent on the backlog maintenance remediation program. This will include asbestos removal, internal painting, access upgrades, roof repairs and floor replacements.
It follows an upgrade program that included the installation of sliding windows and security screens and external painting in the past 12 months.
