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THE HUMAN ROOM
The “Human Room”
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The use of multi-sensory rooms as a form of engagement with art in palliative care is largely unexplored.
Albany Hospice WA has conducted a study exploring the experiences of hospice-based inpatients receiving end-of-life care and their carers who immersed themselves into a multi-sensory room. Findings demonstrate that the room provided a safe space for reflection and re-connection that counteracted challenging times during their end of life. It fostered healing and wellbeing by alleviating suffering through respite and sharing of treasured memories with loved ones.
This video invites you to explore the Kwop Wirrin Human Room in digital format.
FAMILIES LOVE NEW PALLIATIVE CARE WING AT BROKEN HILL
A wing of the Broken Hill Medical Ward where palliative care in-patients receive care has been completely refurbished. A total of 10 rooms have received new beds, furniture, sleeping chairs for family members to stay overnight, a kitchenette for patients and families, new window blinds and bedding, freshly painted rooms and corridor, new artwork, increased privacy through new walls and screening, and outdoor tables and chairs for each room. The work was funded by NSW Ministry of Health with a Palliative Care grant of $395,000. The refurbishments have been very well received by family, patients and staff alike. Patients, families and staff have provided positive feedback on the new kitchenette and outdoor sitting areas. They are grateful to be able to sit and enjoy the sun and fresh air or share a coffee in the café space; a good change of scenery and not ‘stuck in a room’. The café space also gives them time to regroup, catch up or share information away from the patient. Families also appreciate being able to bring in their loved one’s favourite food to refrigerate and heat anytime of the day or night.
‘Mum wanted a cup of tea and toast at 3am and I was able to that for her. It was her last meal’.
Melissa Cumming, FWLHD
TILLY THE “COMPAWSIONATE” PUP
For the past two years, patients in Tasmania’s palliative care services have been treated to the regular company of Tilly the six-year-old King schnauzer. The adorable pup is a staff and patient favourite across Launceston’s hospice facilities. Tilly’s commitment to the cause has been recently recognised with the Tasmanian Outstanding Palliative Care Award.
Though it’s not for the awards that she or her owner, Edwina Colvin, have been volunteering. “People who have often had dogs and like dogs, but have become more elderly miss having a pet around them,” Ms Colvin said. “It’s a comfort that they have an animal that is relaxed and happy around them.”
Meet Tilly in her own video
25 NOT OUT: BRAESIDE HOSPITAL MARKS MILESTONE
After celebrating their 25th anniversary, Braeside Hospital is already looking towards the future.
The hospital, which is operated by HammondCare, has cared for more than 27,000 patients since taking its first admission in November 1996. They provide palliative care, rehabilitation and older persons’ mental health to the diverse communities of south-west Sydney. Speaking at a ceremony to mark the hospital’s milestone, HammondCare chief executive Mike Baird said the hospital’s biggest strength was its connection to its local community, including its active Friends of Braeside group. Locals rallied to meet a fundraising target of more than $1 million to help the new hospital open with the best facilities at its present Prairiewood site next to Fairfield Hospital – after 90 years at Petersham. There were walkathons, golf days and even a spaghetti eating competition held at Club Marconi. One Smithfield RSL fundraiser raised $40,000. “At 25 years we have just got started. While we celebrate this incredible legacy, I am excited about what the next 25 years holds.” A $250,000 grant from the state government will fund a new family lounge with work to begin in early 2022.
AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD FOR MONTANA
25-year-old Bolwarra Heights (Hunter Valley) resident Montana Duggan was named Young Citizen of the Year in Maitland for her work on the committee of local non-profit, Friends of Palliative Care.
Since losing her father to cancer in 2011, Ms Duggan has worked with the group to raise money for quality palliative care services across the Hunter Valley, serving as both vice president and now president of the committee. “We are fortunate to have young people like Montana in our community. Her commitment to her cause, leadership qualities and fundraising efforts are more than deserving of this year’s Young Citizen of the Year award,” Cr Penfold said.
Along with Ms Chilcott and Ms Duggan, nine other outstanding Maitland residents were nominated for their contribution to the community.
Manly Hospice construction begins
Major construction works have begun on the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice at North Head, Manly.
Confirmed as part of the redevelopment master plan for the former Manly Hospital site, the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) will provide end-of-life care for young adults with life-limiting illness.
Image: NSW Health.
Construction of the hospice is expected to cost $19.5m, which is being funded by an $8m contribution from the NSW Government, a $5m contribution from the Commonwealth Government, and a $5m donation from Manly philanthropists Mr Greg Poche and Mrs Kay van Norton Poche. The Hospice will work closely with nearby children’s hospice Bear Cottage to provide continuity of care for young people as they become adults. No dedicated facility currently exists for families who have young adults in need of hospice care. “Each year, about a quarter of admissions to Bear Cottage are over the age of 16 and there has been no appropriate place for them to move to. No matter where someone is from in NSW, this beautiful state-of-the-art facility in Manly will be a welcoming place for young adults who are diagnosed with life-limiting conditions,” said Mr Griffin. The design of the new hospice is being influenced directly by clinicians with the assistance of feedback from families. When complete, the Northern Beaches will offer a full network of palliative care options, for adults at the new Palliative Care Unit at Mona Vale Hospital, the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice at Manly for 15–24-year-olds, and Bear Cottage for children. Construction of the new hospice is due for completion late 2022.
Obituary
Obituary
By Maree Banfield
Sheila Knight (Carey) 1936–2021
My friend, mentor and colleague Sheila Knight sadly died last December 27th in Queensland whilst holidaying with family.
Sheila was a passionate, inspirational colleague over many years who put kindness and compassion at the centre of everything she did. She combined her role as Deputy Director of Nursing at Calvary, Kogarah with a long parallel career as a strong, vocal, and committed advocate for palliative care in NSW. She spent 2000 to 2006 as Treasurer on the Management Board of Palliative Care NSW (PCNSW). During that time, in 2004, Sheila persuaded the Cancer Council to rent PCNSW a 3m x 3m office. This was a significant time for palliative care when it was establishing itself as the palliative care peak body for NSW.
A quote from the current PCNSW CEO Linda Hansen when she was first introduced to Sheila in 2004 says it all: “Sheila was running PCNSW as a volunteer executive officer – a bundle of energy and always incredibly diligent and endlessly cheerful. Without her, PCNSW would not be where it is now. She led me through all of the governance and political issues at the time and I couldn’t have managed it all without her.”
What an absolute legend is Sheila. She has left a wonderful legacy, helping so many of us involved and who believe in the importance and need for palliative care and its value in NSW. She will be remembered as a generous, compassionate, determined, and larger than life advocate for palliative care.
Rest in peace in Sheila.
