News

See the original story by Marion Sampson in News of the Area 5th October 2017.

Port Stephens Palliative Care Service comprises of a medical team, trained volunteers and a fundraising committee.

They provide care and support to patients for end of life care and those living with chronic illnesses around Port Stephens.

The service is operated 24 hours per day, seven days per week, with after-hours telephone advice.

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington was a welcome guest at the volunteers’ September meeting.

Kate Washington MP told News Of The Area, “It was terrific to meet with the amazing volunteers at Port Stephens Palliative Care.”

She believes that providing support to families at the most difficult time in their lives is some of the most important and meaningful work that anyone could do.

Kate went on to express her thanks to the volunteers, for their care and compassion, as many families in our community have been supported by their kindness over many years.

“It was also clear to me that there’s a lot more that the NSW government should be doing to ensure that our volunteers have the resources they need to carry out their important work, there are also more resources needed, to ensure that there’s adequate professional palliative care available for people facing the most difficult days,” she said.

All volunteers of Port Stephens Palliative Care undertake a training course prior to commencement so that they are able to meet the needs of those who the service cares for.

The volunteers deliver on a variety of tasks suited to their interests and skills, which include transport services to appointments and treatments.

The patients and their carers are also offered respite through the service, allowing carers and patients to have some time for themselves.

The organisation has recently used fundraising contributions to purchase pressure care cushions, and portable hospital beds.

For information regarding becoming a palliative care volunteer please contact Vicki Collister: [email protected].

Pic: The Port Stephens Palliative Care team with Port Stephens MP Kate Washington: Rosemary Toscano, Marilyn Mitchell, Carol Farrow, Kate Washington, Alison Bowman, Vicki Collister, Barbara Arathoon, Jan Miller, Debbie Childs, and Jo Buckland-Jones. Pic credit News of the Area.