Why it’s just as important to plan for a good death

Planning for a good death will be the focus of forums in August and September.

Community members, health professionals and service providers are invited to give valuable feedback on end-of-life care planning at a South Western Sydney Primary Health Network local health forum.

The network host these forums twice a year, bringing together health professionals and the community.

In Australia, up to 360 people die every day who could benefit from palliative care.

Advance care planning helps ensure your loved ones and health providers know and respect your treatment wishes.

A recent survey showed about 70 per cent of people would prefer to die at home.

The network want to better understand the barriers preventing more residents in South Western Sydney from accessing palliative care services and how to help more people implement an advance care plan to ensure their end-of-life wishes are known and they have a good death.

Network chief executive officer Keith McDonald said forums were the key to developing specific solutions for South Western Sydney residents.

“We want to gain a deeper understanding of the barriers to our community accessing and implementing an advance care plan,” he said.

“Local health forums are an excellent way for the community and health professionals to come together and discuss how we can improve our region’s healthcare.

“If you have provided support for a person as they experienced the end of their life, or if you are currently receiving palliative care, we want to hear from you, whether it be positive or negative experiences.”

Details for the upcoming forum:

• Bowral: Tuesday, 20 August, 6.30pm to 9pm
• Campbelltown: Thursday, 5 September, 6.30pm to 9pm
• Bass Hill: Tuesday, 10 September, 6.30pm to 9pm

A complimentary two-course buffet dinner will be provided on the night of the forum.

Visit www.swsphn.com.au/lhf for more information and to register.