LOCAL advocates are spreading the word of the region’s shortfall in palliative care, urging clubs and organisations to join the fight for better services.
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The Cancer Council’s New England North West branch met with the Rotary Club of Tamworth First Light this week to raise of awareness of the push for increased funding for end-of-life care.
Cancer Council community engagement manager Dimity Betts spoke to the Rotary Club, with Tamworth advocate Lucy Haslam, to “spread the word” and collect individual pledges towards the campaign.
Mrs Betts said the event picked up 32 new supporters.
The statewide I care for palliative care drive is mustering 10,000 signatures urging the NSW health minister to increase funding to supply 10 additional specialist physicians and 129 nurses.
Launched in Tamworth in November last year, Mrs Betts said the petition has already garnered 4141 signatures, including a number of state MPs.
With a number of local events planned to muster more support, including three Relay for Life get-togethers in Tamworth, Narrabri and Quirindi in March and April, Mrs Betts said Tamworth should be weel-placed to supply 1000 signatures to the cause.
An extensive reshuffle of the NSW cabinet this week saw long-time health minister Jillian Skinner dumped in favour of Brad Hazzard.
“It gives us confidence,” Mrs Betts said.
“The new minister would know about the campaign.”