Cancer Council NSW has recognised the need for more palliative care nurses in the Manning Great Lakes region with the launch of the ‘I Care for Palliative Care’ campaign.
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The organisation has recognised a lack of palliative care doctors and nurses exist in the NSW community.
A minimum of ten additional full time palliative care physicians are required across the state to be in line with national recommendations.
The Cancer Council has also identified a need for 129 additional palliative care nurses to be stationed around the state, including culturally appropriate palliative care for Aboriginal people. The campaign is calling on local residents to make an online pledge of support to the cause.
Once the total number of pledges reaches 10,000, the Cancer Council plans to deliver them to NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard. Over 8,100 pledges have already been made.
Cancer Council Lower Mid North Coast Community Programs Coordinator Tim Chapman has urged Manning Great Lakes residents to show their support behind the cause.
"Unfortunately for some people palliative care is a space they enter into as a result of the disease and having the appropriate care so people can see out the rest of their lives in comfort," Mr Chapman said.
Cancer Council NSW Liaison Terry McDermott said people needing palliative care should be given full access from those who can provide it.
"Palliative carers are for people that are dying and they deserve dignity and respect and that's where we're so short in the Manning Great Lakes area.
"Most of the GP's aren't trained in palliative care so it's really unfair on them but they're doing the best they can,” Mr McDermott said.
Founder of Manning Valley Push for Palliative Judy Hollingworth said the campaign will help all Manning Great Lakes residents recognise the importance of the cause.
"It helps us mobilise the community here to understand what palliative care can do for them,” Ms Hollingworth said.
