​​​People across NSW are being reminded of the essential role our dedicated palliative care health staff and volunteers play in ensuring high quality and compassionate palliative care is made available to the community when and where it is needed, this National Palliative Care Week (19 – 25 May 2024).

Health Minister Ryan Park today extended his gratitude to the many dedicated and highly regarded health staff and volunteers who support patients and their families throughout what is often the most challenging time in their lives.

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring all people across NSW have access to the highest quality palliative care, and we have introduced a range of measures to better support patients and their families living with a life-limiting illness.

This includes a $93 million investment in capital works as part of our World Class End of Life Care program, which will deliver new or redeveloped palliative care facilities at five health facilities across the state including Wyong, Westmead, Tamworth, Nepean and Orange hospitals.

The government is also committed to growing our specialist palliative care workforce, and are employing extra nurses, doctors and support staff, estimated at more than 570 additional full-time equivalent positions by 2026-27.

National Palliative Care Week is an opportunity to increase awareness about the importance and benefits of accessing end of life and palliative care services, and to begin conversations with family and friends about how one might to plan for their future requirements, including their own end-of-life care.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“High quality end-of-life and palliative care is available to all those who require it in NSW, whether it is provided at home, in residential aged care facilities, in the community, or in an inpatient environment such as a hospital.

“Whilst all Health staff might have a role to play in palliative care, people with more complex needs may well require specialist palliative care services, staffed by multidisciplinary teams who have advanced skills and knowledge in palliative care.

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to our specialist palliative care workforce, which is comprised of doctors, allied health professionals and nurses, Aboriginal Health Workers and volunteers for the compassionate care they provide to their communities every day.”

For more information on palliative care services available in NSW, visit Palliative care in NSW.