End of life

There are people admitted to our hospitals approaching end of life. It is important to have open conversations ahead of time about end of life care. This will involve communication with patient, family and carers about their expressed wishes and the development and documentation of appropriate treatment plans.

Care at end of life should be based on a person's individual needs and preferences.

An End of Life and Palliative Care Framework 2019-2024 has been developed by the NSW Ministry of Health.

The five priority areas identified in the Framework are

1 - Care is person centred

Care should be based on the unique, holistic needs and preferences of the person receiving care. It should respect their preferences and their dignity. The individual, their families and carers are equal partners in the decisions relating to their care and treatment. Provision of care should be on the basis of assessed need and be flexible in response to the person’s changing needs and preferences.

2 - There is recognition and support for families and carers

Families and carers play a pivotal role in the end of life and palliative care service system. It is essential their role is recognised, valued, and supported. Health services should support families and carers to be involved in planning and providing care, and to access the services they need to carry out this role.

3 - There is access to care providers across all settings who are skilled and competent in end of life and palliative care

End of life and palliative care can be delivered in multiple settings. It must be supported by a skilled and competent workforce.

4 - Care is well-coordinated and integrated

People needing end of life and palliative care may receive care from multiple services across a number of settings. Care should be delivered in an integrated and well-coordinated manner with seamless transitions between services and settings.

5 - Access to quality care is equitable

There can be significant variation in access to end of life and palliative care services across NSW. There are groups across NSW who need greater support to access end of life and palliative care services.