From our inception in 1989 we have tried to raise the awareness of the local community in regard to palliative care services, end of life care and the need for advanced care planning. We try to fill the gaps that are left when other services are exhausted or not available at the time of need.
Regular liaison with staff of Forster Tuncurry Community Palliative Care Team, Forster Private Hospital and Mid Coast Assist ensure that help is given where it is most needed to assist with the care needs of Oncology and Palliative Care patients.
Great Lakes Palliative Care Support continues to extend the services that it provides, and since 2011 has been involved with the establishment of the Oncology Unit in Forster Private Hospital. This unit enables the residents of the Great Lakes to receive their chemotherapy treatment and/or other services in their local hospital.
Provision of extra nursing visits, and personal care assistance can be provided through referral to Mid Coast Assist at no cost to the individual.
Provision of wigs to Oncology patients experiencing treatment related hair loss has been ongoing for over the past 9 years. We are extremely grateful to Charmaine Barraclough, who provided this wonderful support service for 8 1/2 years prior to her retirement from this position. Our current Coordinators Deb Debnam and Liz Doorey will continue to provide this specialised assistance.
A large pool of equipment is available for use of nurses, occupational therapists, patients and families and is stored in rented premises in Rodmay St, Tuncurry. Equipment is cleaned, delivered and maintained by Equipment Officer Kevin Stokes. There is no fee for loan of equipment.
Massage vouchers are provided at no cost to the individual patient and carers on referral from the Oncology and Social Worker department. This can be used to assist with carer stress, pain relief and lymphedema. We have services of a Beautician if that is required.
Financial assistance can be provided through referral from Social Worker or nursing team and is assessed on an individual need’s basis. This can cover the costs of medication, respite, utilities and hire of specialised equipment. Recently requests for assistance for food and petrol have escalated and gift vouchers are provided by the Social Worker at time of need.
We provide scholarships and education to increase awareness and provision of quality palliative care services within our community.