South Australians who require palliative care and their families will soon have access to increased health care as grant applications open today for organisations which can deliver new patient services.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Stephen Wade, said the Palliative Care 2020 Grants Program is an initiative to support innovative, non-government organisations that can bring new ideas and perspectives to improve and diversify palliative care options throughout the state.
"We want to ensure that every South Australian has access to high quality care to support them to live - and die – well, no matter who they are, where they live, or what health issues they are dealing with," Minister Wade said.
"We are investing $16 million more for palliative care services over four years to improve services and provide more options for South Australians to ensure exceptional end-of-life care options for those that need it most.
"The Palliative Care Needs in South Australia 2019 Report highlights some areas that require further improvement, to meet the needs of all people in the community, who require palliative and end-of-life care.
"These grants aim to improve access to high quality end-of-life care for priority populations, including those with special needs as well as older Australians living in aged care facilities."
Executive Director Health Services Programs and Funding, Helen Chalmers, said the Palliative Care 2020 Grants Program supports innovative non-government organisations that will develop unique projects to improve palliative care services.
"These grants will improve palliative care in Residential Aged Care Facilities through strong partnerships between specialist palliative care services and other organisations, as well as increasing education, training, assistance and mentoring of the residential aged care," Ms Chalmers said.
"Another priority is improving palliative care for rural and remote communities, those with complex needs, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their families, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities, people living with a disability, and children."
"A limited number of grants of up to $150,000 are available and organisations may apply for more than one grant for different projects."
For more information or to apply for a grant before 28 February 2020, visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/palliativecaregrants.
