‘Helping them feel at ease’: How Auburn Hospital’s Jason Selmon is championing patient-centred palliative care

Auburn Hospital in Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) has recently celebrated the opening of its new Supportive and Palliative Care Unit, and it is thanks to the dedication and vision of staff like Jason Selmon, the Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) of the facility, that the unit is home to features designed to prioritise comfort and support.

The unit’s primary focus is patient-centred care, aiming to accommodate not only the patients but also their families.

“Seeing families coming in the crisis, when they’re in tears, and haven’t slept for days, it’s important to make them feel at ease,” Jason said.

He also stressed the importance of making a positive impact during such a difficult time in their lives.

We’ll look after your loved one. Take a breath. Take it easy. We’ll talk about what’s going on and let them know they’re not alone.”

A significant part of the unit’s mission is to help patients return home whenever possible, ensuring they are safe and comfortable.

The dedicated medical staff and allied health professionals at Auburn Hospital are integral to achieving this goal.

“We’re just trying to get people home when we can, and back into nursing homes, and just getting patients to be in their own bed and be with their families,” Jason said.

This approach also involves addressing the emotional and spiritual needs of patients, acknowledging that every individual’s journey is unique.

Jason leads a team of dedicated health staff who work towards the unit’s mission to provide compassionate care to patients during some of the most challenging moments in their lives.

The team at Auburn Hospital collaboratively works with patients to provide the care that aligns with their preferences and needs, whether that involves a short stay or a more extended period in the unit.

A key factor in the unit’s success is this multidisciplinary approach.

Jason spoke highly of his clinical nurse educators, consultants, and allied health professionals, who work together to ensure that every aspect of a patient’s care is addressed.

“Everyone knows their part and knows what they’re going to do,” he said.

The care that we give the patients here in the community has been amazing. It’s something I’m very proud of.”

This inclusiveness extends to the local community as well, as Jason and his team have actively worked to build connections and receive feedback from spiritual leaders and community members to ensure the unit’s patients are settled in an place as close to home as possible.

Auburn Hospital’s Supportive and Palliative Care Unit, under the leadership and guidance of Jason Selmon, is making a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families at WSLHD during some of their most challenging moments.