CEO’s Report
From the CEO
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
6 | Pallium
Welcome to the first Pallium of the year and happy New Year to all! I would like to start this report by acknowledging our members in the field of palliative care as well as more broadly those working in healthcare for the incredible work that has been carried out throughout the past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s hope we can look to a future that leaves the worst behind us. Fortunately, PCNSW as an organisation has weathered the COVID storm well. For the Management Committee it has been wonderful to work closely with our new committee members from different sectors of palliative care and share ideas and concerns when we have met via zoom each month. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to meet together in person as a committee before the various lockdowns. At these sessions we worked hard to develop the PCNSW Strategic Plan. I am confident that we have addressed the needs and concerns of our members as well as the palliative care community in NSW moving forward. You can view the Strategic Plan 2021–2024 on our website. I continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health regarding funding and support, and in the past year you may have noticed the $82.8 million funding announcement from the NSW Treasurer and Health Minister. This was a welcome boost, and we will continue to advocate for this support to continue. In the past few months our focus has been on the needs of palliative care in light of the VAD discussions currently happening in NSW Parliament. PCNSW neither advocates for, nor argues against, the legislation of voluntary assisted dying. We believe this is a decision for governments. In our
discussions with various Ministers, including the Health Minister and the NSW Premier, we have focused on the need for equity of access to, and information about, palliative care and an ongoing commitment to our sector should the legislation come to pass. While it is important we acknowledge the challenges we have faced in palliative care throughout the past year and a half, we have also skills that will support us in the future. With 40 years behind us we look forward to supporting you and your work for 40 more! Enjoy your Pallium.
Linda Hansen PCNSW Chief Executive Officer
