National palliative care strategy

The development of a National Strategy for Palliative Care under the Australian Health Care Agreements represents the commitment of Commonwealth, State and Territory governments, palliative care service providers and community-based organisations to the development and implementation of palliative care policies, strategies and services that are consistent across Australia, and to the delivery of quality palliative care that is accessible to all people who are dying.

Providing care for people who are dying and their families is a hallmark of a humane and caring society. The Strategy is founded on the premise that such care must form an integral part of a comprehensive health care system that supports people at all stages of life, helping people to die well in an atmosphere of care and support. Appropriate care is of critical importance in supporting and maintaining quality of life for people who are dying. It is also crucial in enabling families to come to terms with the death and move on.

In past centuries, people generally knew death at close hand. It was a common even among all age groups, and care for the dying was provided by families and communities. Many cultural groups within the Australian population retain this involvement and strong community support around the time of death. Their family members traditionally die at home, grief is expressed publicy and communally, and rituals surround death often support this process. Indigenous communities also have strong rites and customs that support individuals and communities through death and grief.

Click on the following link for the full report:

http://www.palliativecare.gov.au/


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