Western Health has marked a quarter of a century of care at the Sunshine Hospital Palliative Care Unit, with current and former staff gathering last week to celebrate the milestone – and to acknowledge their patients and families.
Since opening in August 2001, the Palliative Care Unit has cared for many thousands of patients living with a life-limiting illness.
‘The focus of care is always on quality of life,’ said Dr Maria Coperchini, Western Health’s Director of Palliative Care.
'We ask ourselves, what is the best care for each individual patient as well as how do we best support patients and their families at such a challenging time.'
Initially opening with 10 beds, the Palliative Care Unit has expanded over time in response to increasing demand for care and now comprises 20 beds. This year alone, the unit will care for about 900 patients.
Western Health’s multidisciplinary palliative care team includes doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, social workers and spiritual care staff.
Dr Coperchini thanked everyone for their dedication to the unit’s patients and families over many years.
‘It is indeed a privilege to care for patients at such an important stage of their lives. Our staff go above and beyond every single day and I could not be more proud of the care we provide to patients and their families.’
'Care is at the heart of everything we do.’
Dr Coperchini also wants to dispel the common misconception that palliative care is only about providing end-of-life care.
‘We care for many patients who need admission to hospital for management of symptoms or whose carers need some respite,' she said. 'These patients spend some time in the Unit and then are supported to return home.’
For those patients unable to return home, the Palliative Care Unit provides an environment where patients and their families can spend precious time together and even celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays and Christmas. The unit has even hosted some weddings, both for patients and the children of patients.
In addition to the inpatient Palliative Care Unit at Sunshine Hospital, Western Health’s Palliative Care Service also includes outpatient clinics and a hospital-based consultancy service that provides palliative care expertise and advice to patients, carers and health professionals across all campuses. There is also a community service operating from Bacchus Marsh Hospital, which visits people in their home."