National Palliative Care Week (May 11 – 17) provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the sector and look to the work of the future.
The contribution of the paediatric palliative care community is particularly noteworthy in light of the progress made over the last five years.
In 2023, after three years of extensive research and consultation, Palliative Care Australia proudly unveiled Australia's first 'Paediatric Palliative Care National Action Plan.'
Two years on from the launch by Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney, the plan is having an impact and improving the delivery of palliative care for infants, children, and young adults.
"The establishment of a Paediatric Palliative Care Centre of Research Excellence is a standout achievement," says Camilla Rowland, CEO, Palliative Care Australia (PCA).
"To be led by the Queensland University of Technology, the Centre will drive research that supports better service delivery for the estimated 40,000 children who could benefit from palliative care each year."
One of the strengths of the National Action Plan, was the involvement of people with lived experience in shaping the 18 actions that form the backbone of the plan. Other achievements in the last 12 – 18 months include:
End of life communication eLearning for health professionals
Rural and remote outreach led by QuOCCA
Australia's first paediatric palliative care clinical guidelines
"What I love about this work is that the sector has not let any dust gather on the Action Plan," Ms Rowland says.
"There was a clear need when PCA and Paediatric Palliative Care Australia and New Zealand were funded by the Federal Government to do this work back in 2019, and the momentum generated along the way has flowed through to implementation."
PCA is currently halfway through the 'Shaping the future of paediatric palliative care' project, which is building on the foundations of the Action Plan.
"One of our focus areas at the moment is on improving the transition pathway for families moving from child centred health services to adult health services, and we expect to have some educational tools out before the end of this year," Ms Rowland says.
"There is always more to do, and we'll be working with the new government to see how we can progress a paediatric workforce strategy, expand community-based care, and improved care coordination.
"Not just this week, National Palliative Care Week, but every week, the paediatric palliative care community goes above and people for the special people in their care, and they deserve our gratitude and support."
Explore a range of resources and advice at the Paediatric Palliative Care website.
