The Hon Justine Elliott MP, Minister for Ageing

A joint launch of National Palliative Care Week and the CareSearch palliative care knowledge network was held on Monday 26 May 2008 in the Senate Alcove Room in Parliament House, Canberra. The Honourable Justine Elliot, Minister for Ageing, formally launched the CareSearch palliative care knowledge network website. Dr James Cooper, Chairperson of the National Advisory Group for CareSearch was the MC for the event.

Professor Margaret O'Connor, Chairperson of Palliative Care Australia pointed out that this was the 11th National Palliative Care Week and played the Community Service Announcement that promotes their new web resource, It's a matter of life and death. 

The Minster for Ageing in her speech described CareSearch as an innovative web site that gives people with a terminal illness, their families and carers 24-hour access to practical information, support and advice. She also announced the new Palliative Care for People Living at Home program.

After her speech, there were brief speeches from Associate Professor Martin and Ms Pauline Green on the clinical importance of resources such as CareSearch. There was also a moving speech from Mr David Nicholls who had cared for his wife as he described the importance of information in helping him care and cope while caring.

You can hear all of the speech on this audio link.

Dr James Cooper

 

Professor Margaret O'Connor		David Nicholls

 

Associate Professor Peter Martin		Pauline Green

Mr David Nicholls and Mrs Justine Elliott		CareSearch Launch 2008