Palliative care
Palliative care |
| There is increasing emphasis on strengthening access to palliative care services for children with a life-threatening condition and their families. This is demonstrated by the development of the Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program (VPPCP), Very Special Kids and the publication of the Victorian policy ’Strengthening care for children with a life-threatening illness’. In line with overseas research, relatively recent Victorian research has demonstrated a number of service gaps for all children with a life-threatening condition and specifically for children with cancer. This project brought together the PICS and the VPPCP to outline a suitable business plan to develop a best practice model for providing palliative care to children with cancer and their families. Once trialled within the paediatric oncology setting, it would be hoped that such a model or elements within it, would be transferable to the care of children with other life-threatening conditions. The report is currently being considered by the health service and the Department of Health to develop a project plan and a strategy to move forward. |