More options for end-of-life patients

Western Sydney Local Health District  (WSLHD) staff and Silver Chain representatives have celebrated the ongoing partnership that’s already improved end-of-life care for more than 500 people in western Sydney.

The nine-month-old partnership has seen WSLHD team up with palliative care providers Silver Chain to provide terminal patients with support in the comfort of their own home.

The service supports patients with healthcare, assistance with daily living, respite care and bereavement support 24 hours, seven days a week.

A celebratory event was recently held at the service’s new offices in Seven Hills where the WSLHD chief executive said he was pleased that local patients and their families have more options.

“Partnerships such as this make me hopeful for the future,” Danny said.

“In the context of increasing demand for health services, rising co-morbidities and changing community expectations, we need to look for innovative ways in delivering our services.

“People should be able to decide where they’d like to spend the end of their lives and this new service gives them the respect they deserve and an option to have their loved one cared for at home with 24/7 support.

“The Silver Chain service makes life as comfortable as possible for patients and their families at a difficult time.

“I’m very proud that Western Sydney Local Health District is involved in this pioneering work.

“Our relationship with the Silver Chain team and our district’s palliative care team is really benefiting our patients.”

The Silver Chain service design is based on a very successful service delivered by Silver Chain Group in Western Australia since 1982 which has consistently increased the likelihood of patients dying in the place of their choice.

For more information about the Silver Chain service visit  https://www.silverchain.org.au/our-services/palliative-care-3/