Presented by Robert Clark MP		www.robertclark.net

Palliative Care Awareness Training Kit released

Health and Aged Care Minister Rob Knowles has launched Victoria University of Technology’s Palliative Care Awareness Training Kit.

The training program of 50 hours seeks to raise awareness among direct care workers in the Human Services Department’s Aged Care and Home and Community Care sectors, and in government-funded agencies.

It introduces them to palliative care philosophy — which sees the family as primary carers supported by professionals and agencies — and guides them through associated rights and responsibilities including confidentiality, duty of care and ways to help all concerned.

"Awareness training, however, does not constitute formal expertise, which would still be seen as the role of a registered nurse or palliative care nurse specialist," Mr Knowles said.

The Palliative Care Awareness Training Kit recognises the team role of both home care and personal care workers, the Minister said.

"Most people with a terminal illness indicate they would rather spend their final time at home with their loved ones, receiving community-based care in a familiar environment," Mr Knowles said.

(News Release, Office of the Minister for Health and Aged Care, August 25, 1999)