Sometimes, the simplest ideas can have the most meaningful impact on care.
Peter MaCallum Cancer Centre has introduced the Orange Heart initiative across it’s inpatient wards.
This discreet symbol of compassion and care will now be displayed to indicate when a patient is receiving care at the end-of-life.
Hospitals are busy environments with frequent interruptions. The Orange Heart on a patient’s door ensures they have privacy and dignity when it is needed most.
For Ward 1A Nurse Unit Manager Holly Pitt, the strength of the heart lies in the ‘pause’ it prompts.
“It asks people to pause and think about what is most important,” Holly says, “We want people to ask themselves, ‘Do I need to interrupt?’ or ‘How many people need to be here’?”
The heart also supports staff who do not usually work with end-of-life patients by helping them enter spaces informed, aware and prepared.
Members of the Peter Mac team with the Orange Heart
Consumer advisors were positive about the initiative, as were Peter Mac’s Aboriginal Health team, who reviewed it with Cultural Safety in mind.
The Orange Heart has become the national symbol for palliative care. Building on this symbol, the idea was initially developed by Gippsland Region Palliative Care Consortium. It is hoped that this use of the heart will eventually be adopted nationwide, ensuring seamless and recognisable care for people who work or receive care across different services.
Use of the Orange Heart is always discussed with patients and their families to ensure their wishes are respected. To support this rollout, education resources have been developed to ensure consistent, thoughtful use across all clinical areas.