THE Cancer Council has called on Tamworth businesses to get behind their push to increase palliative care staffing.
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The New England North West branch of the Cancer Council is putting pressure on the health minister to boost funding for more end-of-life care across the state, with their estimates citing a need for “at least 129 palliative care nurses and at least 10 more physicians”.
Community engagement manager Dimity Betts said businesses could add their their weight to the palliative push, by registering online at the CanAct website.
“If there’s any business owners out there who do want to make a pledge for palliative care, they can endorse the campaign on behalf of their business,” Ms Betts said.
The Cancer Council’s campaign was launched in November last year and they’re hoping to see some action from the state government by Palliative Care Week staring on May 21.
“We’re hoping that this will all culminate to a decision and an outcome by palliative care week,” she said.
“What we want to see is the health minister increase funding for specialist palliative care to allow a minimum of 129 specialist palliative care nurses and a minimum of 10 physicians in place across the state.”
Mrs Betts said local MPs Kevin Anderson and Kevin Humphries have both pledged their support to the cause.
“Across the state there’s a lot of voices on this, it’s putting a lot of pressure on the health minister, it’s only a matter of time before she turns around and makes a commitment to it,” she said.
Mrs Betts welcomed the recent decision by Hunter New England Health to employ an additional specialist nurse, but echoed sentiments that there was a long way to go. Individuals can also pledge their support online.