Underfunding of essential palliative care services is leaving patients and their loved ones in limbo at the most critical time of their lives.
Data from Palliative Care Victoria reveals that62 per cent of people who wished to die at home were instead admitted to hospital due to a lack of available support.
Speaking in Parliament, The Nationals’ Melina Bath said palliative care in our regions is not equally supported or accessible across eastern Victoria and there needs to be a greater investment in palliative care.
“Peak body, Palliative Care Victoria has warned that funding cuts are severely impacting access to services across the state.
“Terminally ill Victorians are being pushed onto waiting lists or forced into overcrowded hospitals instead of receiving end-of-life care at home, due to critical state funding shortfalls.
“Palliative care is vital for end-of-life nursing support, advice, equipment, respite and service coordination.”
Ms Bath sounded the alarm that rural and regional areas are disproportionally affected.
“There are significant gaps in regional Victoria funding compared to metropolitan areas, particularly in eastern Victoria.
“Every Victorian deserves to die with dignity, yet Labor’s funding cuts are removing choice.
“There needs to be greater investment in regional palliative care to support locals with a terminal diagnosis.
“Those of us living in the regions deserve equal access to compassionate, dignified care when it matters most.
“Palliative care not only manages pain and symptoms but also provides essential emotional, psychological and practical support for patients and their loved ones.
“Strengthening access to quality palliative care ensures every person can spend their final stages of life with comfort, respect, and the support they deserve.”
