The Western New South Wales Primary Health Network's Brad Porter says a new investment in palliative care in Orange will help the large area it covers including the western plains and far west.

Orange City Council received $462,000 funding from the Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) to deliver the Greater Choice for At Home Palliative Care – My Care Future Project over the next 12 months.

The project encourages people to consider ‘advance care planning’ by deciding what they want to happen to those in palliative care should they become ill or injured and be unable to speak for themselves.

The aim is for participants to complete an Advance Care Directive, a legally binding document outlining a person’s preferences for healthcare and treatment.

 CEO, Brad Porter said that the WNSW PHN conducted a Palliative Care needs assessment last year.

“Our assessment revealed respondents prioritised increased access to palliative care education and information and support with Advanced Care Planning.

“We are excited to support the My Care Future program, which responds to this need through a two-part Advanced Care Planning model.

“The peer-led volunteer workforce will be complemented by a pilot program to deliver advanced care planning to First Nations communities, in partnership with the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service,” Mr Porter said.

Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee said the pilot program has been designed to harness the region's existing capacity.

‘’It reflects the strength, compassion, and capability we have in our communities to drive meaningful, community-led change," he said.

"With local co-ordinators, peer volunteers, and a dedicated focus on First Nations engagement, this program will ensure more people can plan their care with dignity, clarity, and support.’’

My Care Future will be delivered by Orange City Council, in collaboration with the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service and Dubbo’s Connecting Community Services.

The My Care Future Project is based on the City of Onkaparinga’s Advance Care Directive Peer-led Workshop Project 2023, which uses community volunteers to deliver workshops to increase understanding of advance care planning.

The next steps will be to deliver a series of workshops to health stakeholders, palliative care providers, community service providers and community members to aid community conversations, raise awareness of advance care planning and engage volunteers to work with the program.

For those not in the initial pilot, it will be a matter of 'watch this space' for progress on improving access to palliative care no matter where you live.