The Federal Government has announced an injection of more than $56 million into improving end-of-life care in Australia, including in residential aged care.
The country’s 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs) will receive more than $37 million to expand the Greater Choice for At Home Palliative Care program, while $19 million will go to three programs at Queensland University of Technology and University of Wollongong to research improvements to end-of-life care in RACs.
According to Health Minister Greg Hunt, around 50 to 90% of the 160,000 who die each year in Australia would benefit from receiving some level of palliative care.
“We’ve already seen a successful pilot program across 11 PHN sites, linking end of life care systems and services in primary and community care settings and increasing community awareness of local palliative care services.
“Our latest investment will ensure Australians can access appropriate care at the right time at home, while also aiming to reduce hospitalisation for palliative care,” he said.
The program is part of the Government’s $17.7 billion aged care reforms.
