Federal Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler has announced an $8.6 million injection for palliative care support for patients and their families and carers.

 

The announcement marked the commencement of ‘National Palliative Care Week 2011’, designed to raise awareness for palliative care and the services provided by the sector.

 

Mr Butler said the funding would be provided to Palliative Care Australia wto operate an equipment loans scheme which will provide palliative care patients with access to specialised equipment when being cared for in a home setting.

“This will significantly increase community access to new equipment such as electronic beds, pressure care mattresses and enable palliative care patients to remain in their home close to their family and loved ones," he said.

 

The funding will be directed at the following services

  • Providing electronic beds
  • Pressure care mattresses
  • Providing wheelchairs

 

A further $5.6 million in grants of up to $150,000 will be provided to 81 community groups, health and aged care providers and charitable organisations.

“Grants of up to $150,000 are being offered under Round 6 of the Local Palliative Care Grants Program for fitting out premises and the purchase of assistive equipment. “ Mr. Butler said.

 

The expansion of the funding takes the Federal Government investment in palliative care to over $23 million.