Mercy Health is continuing to lead the way in the provision of high-quality and compassionate palliative care, hosting a sold-out palliative care masterclass today.
The inaugural event for palliative care clinicians featured presentations from physicians, an oncologist, nurses and allied health professionals.
Mercy Health Albury Director of Nursing and Operations Manager Christopher Magro said the forum provided regional clinicians with a valuable opportunity to access specialist palliative care education that would otherwise only be available in the nation’s capital cities.
“The masterclass demonstrated Mercy Health’s commitment to providing end of life care,” he said. “It helped deliver the best evidence-based practice for around 70 practitioners working within palliative care.”
“The day further highlighted the extensive knowledge and skills base that we have in our local community and surrounding districts.”
Mercy Health Albury Nurse Unit Manager Sarah Docherty said palliative care supported people to live well when they have a life-limiting condition.
She said Mercy Health Albury cared for up to 100 palliative care patients in the community at any given time.
“There is a misconception that palliative care relates only to a patient who is imminently dying; the masterclass will help address this and many more specialty topics” Mrs Docherty said.
Mercy Health opened Albury’s first dedicated inpatient palliative care service in 1984.
The inpatient team now comprises a palliative care physician, a nurse unit manager, a total of fifteen registered and enrolled nurses, as well as a social worker, an occupational therapist, physiotherapists, a speech pathologist, a dietician and pastoral care worker.
In addition the community team shares the palliative care physician and allied health staff, but also has two clinical nurse specialists and four registered nurses.
The service is also renowned for its thriving volunteer program, which comprises up to 50 volunteers.
The Mercy Health Albury Palliative Care Masterclass will be held again in 2023.
Download full media release ( PDF, 99.2K )Last reviewed November 18, 2022.
