Download - Palliative Care Australia

PALLIATIVE CARE IN THE
NORTHERN TERRITORY
The Year 2005 marks an important time in the development of
Palliative Care in the Northern Territory. These developments
have been made possible through funding provided by both
the Northern Territory Government and the Australian
Government Department of Health and Ageing.
The first Director of Palliative Medicine for the Northern
Territory, Dr Mark Boughey, commenced in March 2005.
Dr Boughey, formally Director of Palliative Care at Royal
Melbourne Hospital, is a well-credentialed and respected
Specialist, whose significant experience will assist in
fashioning the future development of palliative care
services in the Northern Territory. His goal is to build on
the last 10 years when palliative care has been available
in the NT, with a view to improving access and broader
equity in service provision. In May 2005, the Northern
Territory Palliative Care Strategy for 2005-2009 was
launched. This is another important milestone for the
Territory.
The first Hospice in Darwin opened on 26 August 2005.
The Hospice provides people with a life-limiting illness,
specialised care in a supportive and peaceful environment.
The facility is a 12-bed purpose built unit, which is both
functionally and culturally appropriate for the population it
serves. It is co-located on the grounds of the Royal Darwin
Hospital. In the first 2 months of operation, care was
provided to 25 patients and their families.
The Programme of Experience in a Palliative Approach
(PEPA) has had a positive impact across the NT.
Numerous primary service providers, including from
rural and remote areas, have undertaken placements and
participated in workshops. The result has been a workforce
with increased knowledge and skills about palliative care
and ultimately patients receive better care.
Finally, the Indigenous Practice Principles Project aims
to develop palliative care resources specific to the region
and raise awareness of palliative care amongst Indigenous
Australians. In the NT, the Project Officers have developed
a companion guide to the Resource Kit that was produced
by Wodonga TAFE, including artwork, photographs
and case studies from the region. This companion guide
is based upon the NT Aboriginal palliative care model.
An animated PowerPoint presentation has also been
developed that will be produced as a DVD. This resource
will use music, photographs and video clips from the
NT to educate and support health care providers in the
provision of palliative care to Indigenous people.
NATIONAL PALLIATIVE
CARE PROGRAM
The National Palliative Care Program has been reviewed
and the current funding arrangements are in the final
months of delivery. Everyone in the Palliative Care sector
will have undoubtedly been involved in many activities
and the significant achievements under this program.
The following diagram illustrates the 6 priority area themes
and the names of the project. For further information
please visit www.health.gov.au/palliativecare
PCA is eagerly looking forward to learning of the next
funding arrangements and federal government policy
priorities for palliative care in the Federal Budget this
May and will keep you informed.
PALLIATIVE CARE
MEDICINES WORKING
GROUP
A workshop in February has established a team of people
who will be working to increase the awareness of the
medicines available for patients under the Palliative Care
Section of the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS)
This special section of the PBS has recognised the different
types and quantities of medicines that are required by
palliative patients and has established a mechanism for
doctors to access these medicines with additional cost
subsidy benefits under the PBS.
For example, a palliative patient is able to obtain an initial
supply of Oxazepam 30mg x 50 tablets with 3 repeats,
where anxiety is a problem and where consultation with
a palliative care specialist or service has occurred. Their
doctor contacts Medicare Australia for an authority to
prescribe these quantities under the PBS. These new
arrangements go a long way to reduce the cost and access
issues for palliative patients.
For a full list of medicines available under this scheme,
please visit www.health.gov.au
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