Publication: The Australian
Section: Opinion
Date: 12 October 2010
Margaret O'Connor, president of Palliative Care Australia
Article excerpt:
FEW people seek to hasten their end if they have access to good palliative treatment.
AUSTRALIANS have much to be proud of in the way we care for those facing an untimely death caused by a terminal illness. In the past 30 years or so, these services have been named "palliative care" , indicating an active taking on of care of the whole person (not just the clinical aspects of the disease or their physical care) and the centrality of the person and their carers being involved in the decision-making about care.
... It has been possible for many years now to be cared for, and to die, at home, supported by excellent clinical and other support services.
... Australians should be proud of the discipline of palliative care as it has developed over recent years. We need to be vigilant that funding constraints do not precipitate models of care that are less than excellent, or force people to decide to end their life, keeping in mind that people facing the end of life are a vulnerable group in our community.
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