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News.com.au
4 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Palliative Care Connect: Help at hand to share the burden
Palliative care can help improve the quality of life for South Australians with a life-limiting illness and earlier access to these support services may help them live better. Patients, their carers and families as well as their health and medical professionals are advised they can seek help and support earlier than they may think, so they do not struggle unnecessarily or feel as alone. Palliative care can involve a range of services provided at any stage of the illness to make everyday life a little easier, from assistance with future planning such as an advance care directive to home equipment, services and medications that can help reduce symptoms. A common misconception is that palliative care is only available to people who are imminently dying, so many access the care they need late or not at all. Associate Professor David Holden, Medical Head of Unit at the Northern Adelaide Palliative Service, says many patients and family members know they need support and do not always know where to go for it. 'For some of our patients, they may need help with symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath or nausea,' he says. 'It might be sorting out social or financial matters or receiving equipment to remain longer at home. 'It might be getting down to see the local footy team or go to their local church or community group and maintaining those links that matter to them. 'At its heart, palliative care is asking patients what is most important to them, identifying those connections – whether that be time with friends or family, their hobbies and activities that bring them joy – and doing our best to support them in maintaining those relationships.' Palliative care is available to patients with any life-limiting illness and is not limited to cancer. People can access palliative care regardless of where they live, including in residential care or at home as well as in hospitals and hospices. Some patients access palliative care services in person while others, particularly in regional and remote areas, may access services via a mixture of in-person, telehealth and telephone support. While palliative care supports management of physical symptoms, it also focuses on emotional, psychological and spiritual needs. It supports carers and families. Associate Professor Holden highlights that general practitioners and other health professionals all provide general palliative care and to reach out when they are unsure or have symptoms. 'Specialist palliative care can provide support for more complex needs or when the treating teams need extra assistance,' he says. 'The early identification that there might be better ways of doing things or when you feel you might be able to live better with some support is the time to ask.' To help people access support, the Palliative Care Connect service is being trialled in South Australia but it is being considered for national implementation. In the past two years, the phone line and website have supported more than 1300 people with or caring for somebody with a life-limiting illness. 'Particularly when you have the diagnosis or you're feeling overwhelmed caring for someone being helped,' he says. 'Being helped by professionals to navigate the system and access needed services provides a sense of confidence and relief for our patients, which may improve the experience of death and dying for everyone involved.' Palliative Care Connect also offers a standalone bereavement service, which can provide counselling, support and referrals so people do not feel they have to struggle alone. Palliative Care Connect is provided for everyone in South Australia, without referral or cost. Making the right connection When Carole Jarrett, 80, contacted Palliative Care Connect, she suddenly did not feel quite so alone. The 'incredibly supportive' team of palliative care navigators immediately answered her request for information for herself and her husband Bruce, 84, who passed away in September, 2024. A friend had emailed her the link to the Palliative Care Connect website at the start of the year, but after her stepdaughter did the same in May, she decided to take a look. She submitted her concerns and queries via its online call-back request form and within 15 minutes, a palliative care navigator had called her. 'I knew nothing about palliative care or what stage you could seek out palliative care,' she says. 'I explained the situation that Bruce and I were finding ourselves in, and that I was most concerned about how I would access help with Bruce showering and so on. The following day, an aged-care coach interviewed us and granted us a level 3 Home Care package; then an OT (occupational therapist) came the following day with equipment for me to assist Bruce. All of a sudden, I didn't feel quite alone.' Over the following months, her assigned navigator regularly checked in, explained and helped her through the aged-care system, answered questions, and generally provided a supportive ear. They also spearheaded the process for Bruce to move to respite care, where he passed eight days after leaving hospital. Carole says despite having family and friends, it still feels a lonely time and appreciates her palliative care navigator called her to check in. She praises the speed with which they operate and encourages others to call the service, even if they think it is too early to do so. 'If I'd gone on to the link sooner than I did, I might have been able to at least talk to somebody about what to expect, because you don't really know what to expect when you're edging towards this time in your life,' she says. 'The sadness and all of that sort of thing is still there but you feel like you are being supported externally by somebody that you know you can just say anything to, and get that bit of extra knowledge, I think it makes the journey a lot easier.' Navigating a caring pathway As a Palliative Care Connect Navigator, Myles Morrison often demystifies that palliative care is not the same as end of life. 'It's a common misunderstanding we often need to gently unpack,' he says. 'We clarify that palliative care is actually about helping individuals of all ages with a life-limiting illness live as fully and comfortably as possible, not just about the very end of someone's life.' Morrison is one of two social workers and two nurses at Palliative Care Connect, taking calls and responding to website queries from people who are dealing with the physical and emotional effects of a life-limiting illness, or emotions following a diagnosis or a death. They focus on navigating people to those services that can meet their needs by helping them find connection, gain knowledge and access the service providers most relevant in what can be a challenging and complex time. As well as patients, carers and families, the service assists GPs, nurses, aged care and hospital staff and even community groups wanting to access palliative care and understand end-of-life or death and dying in general. A referral is not required. 'Honestly, (we assist) anyone, which I think is a real strength of the service,' Morrison says. 'We've spent a lot of time working directly within aged-care homes too, supporting residents, their families and delivering education or help for staff.' They regularly answer queries around hospice options, financial support, My Aged Care and advance care directives but also provide a space for someone to debrief and explore what is available. 'I've also observed that guilt really tries to get a foothold in this space, often whispering to carers that they're not doing enough, when in reality, they are doing the very best they can,' Morrison says. 'A big part of what we do is helping people see they're not alone in these struggles and that helps to foster a real sense of connection to a wider community. 'Because everyone is unique, our approach is always to really listen to people's stories. 'We're also here to connect people to the right resources for their specific needs, whether they're at the beginning of their diagnosis or at the end of their life, or if they're family and carers needing that extra bit of guidance. 'We make sure to reassure them that there's truly no right way to approach death, dying, grief, or bereavement, and that alone often brings relief.'
The Herald
06-08-2025
- Health
- The Herald
Gauteng health MEC warns against online vaccine misinformation
Gauteng health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has sounded the alarm on vaccine misinformation, urging parents not to rely on social media for medical advice as the province launches a mass campaign to stop the spread of measles and rubella. Nkomo-Ralehoko was speaking at Steve Biko Primary School in Orange Farm during the launch of the province's Measles-Rubella Mass Vaccination Campaign which aims to immunise more than 4-million children aged between six months and under 15 years by September 12. 'To all parents, I want to assure you that this vaccine is free, effective and safe. Do not listen to fake news or misinformation spreading on social media. The lies you read online can cost a life. If you have doubts, do not go to TikTok or Facebook talk to our health professionals at your nearest clinic or district co-ordinators. They will give you facts, not fear,' said Nkomo-Ralehoko. The six-week campaign which is themed 'Lifelong Protection against Measles and Rubella Disease,' comes as Gauteng battles a measles outbreak with more than 370 confirmed cases so far this year with the hardest-hit areas being Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni. 'These are not mere statistics. These are real children who were at risk of facing serious complications if we failed to act now,' she said. She explained that the MR (Measles-Rubella) vaccine is part of the country's regular child immunisation schedule and is typically given at six and 12 months. The campaign is offering a booster dose to strengthen protection and reach children who may have missed their shots. Vaccinations will be administered in schools, crèches, clinics, taxi ranks, malls and even door-to-door in some communities. Hospitals have also set up additional vaccination points and parents have been issued consent forms through schools. 'Our nurses and health teams are ready. I urge parents, caregivers and guardians to please sign and return the consent forms so we can protect our children,' said Nkomo-Ralehoko. She also spoke about the corner-to-corner campaign, which helps health workers review children's road to health booklets and administer catch-up doses. 'Every missed vaccine is an opportunity for measles to spread. Let us not give the disease a chance,' she said. The MEC appealed to the public and institutions to support the campaign calling on the Gauteng education department, NGOs, faith leaders, private hospitals and universities to join the effort.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
World Health Organization (WHO) Representative pays courtesy call on WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Development at the University of Botswana School of Nursing
On 28 April 2025, WHO Country Representative, Dr. Fabian Ndenzako, paid a courtesy visit to the University of Botswana School of Nursing, a WHO Collaborating Centre (WHOCC) for Nursing and Midwifery Development since 1990. He was accompanied by Dr. Juliet Bataringaya, Health Systems Advisor, and Ms. Boingotlo Ramontshonyana, Focal Point for District Health System Strengthening. Dr. Ndenzako was welcomed by Professor Magowe, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences; Professor Phaladze, Deputy Dean; Dr. Samuel Matula, Head of the School of Nursing; Ms. Mosidi Mokotedi, WHOCC Coordinator; and other faculty members. In her welcome remarks, Prof. Magowe provided an overview of the Faculty of Health Sciences, which encompasses the School of Nursing, School of Allied Health Professions, School of Pharmacy, and School of Public Health. She highlighted that the School of Nursing, established in 1978, is the oldest within the faculty. Its core mission is to produce highly skilled and well-rounded health professionals to serve Botswana, the African continent, and beyond. The school aligns its undergraduate and graduate training with international standards and promotes robust research to inform evidence-based curricula. The faculty also offers graduate programs, including master's and PhD degrees. Dr. Matula elaborated on the evolution of the School of Nursing, noting that it began as the Department of Nursing Education in 1978 and became a full-fledged school in 2007. The school offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including the Bachelor of Nursing Science and the Master of Nursing. A PhD programme is also expected to be launched soon. Notably, the Master of Nursing in Gerontology and Palliative Care was introduced in August 2024. Designated in 1990, the School of Nursing is a WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Among its contributions, the school developed a model for home-based care that has been shared regionally. It has played a vital role in introducing nursing education in higher institutions across the East, Central, and Southern Africa (ECSA) region, and has supported the establishment of National Nurses Associations and Nursing and Midwifery Councils. The school has been instrumental in standardizing nursing and midwifery curricula and strengthening regulatory frameworks. The school is a member of key regional networks such as the Consortium for Higher Education in Nursing and Midwifery in Africa (CHENMA) and the Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa College of Nursing (ECSACON). It has mobilized resources for projects such as the Adolescent Health and HIV/AIDS Project and the Project for Nursing Leadership. Collaborations extend beyond the government to include the University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers University, the University of Michigan, the Cancer Association, and various NGOs. From 2018 to 2022, the WHOCC focused on strengthening the role of nursing and midwifery in reducing the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), promoting health and wellness across the lifespan, and enhancing maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services. These efforts were carried out in collaboration with other WHOCCs, civil society organizations, and development partners. Under its current designation (March 2022 to February 2026), the WHOCC is working towards three core objectives: 1. Conducting collaborative research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nursing and midwifery workforce. 2. Strengthening nursing and midwifery leadership in line with WHO's Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery (2021–2025). 3. Promoting rehabilitative and palliative care services within the context of revitalized Primary Health Care. Dr. Matula reported notable progress. For the COVID-19-related research, the school conducted literature reviews and co-authored three publications. It also assessed leadership gaps among nurses, with one publication underway. Leadership development efforts included benchmarking training qualifications and materials used in Botswana against international resources, such as those from the South Pacific GNWHOCCNM and Kamuzu University of Health Sciences. A pilot leadership workshop was conducted, and its outcomes documented. To strengthen rehabilitative and palliative care, a needs assessment was carried out, leading to the development of a specialized Oncology and Palliative Nursing curriculum. Dr. Matula acknowledged that while implementation was delayed by prolonged COVID-19 response efforts and funding constraints, global WHOCC networks and partnerships with communities and stakeholders remain valuable enablers for progress. In his remarks, Dr. Ndenzako commended the School of Nursing for its 35-year tenure as a WHO Collaborating Centre. He noted that Botswana currently hosts two WHOCCs, the second being the Botswana National HIV Drug Resistance Laboratory, designated in 2023. He praised the school's research outputs and emphasized their importance in informing WHO Ndenzako highlighted the changing global health financing landscape, which calls for stronger partnerships to advance the health agenda. He encouraged the school to document and publish its 35-year journey to share lessons with other institutions. He reaffirmed WHO's commitment to supporting the WHOCC's continued efforts. In closing, Dr. Sebego thanked WHO for its ongoing collaboration and underscored the need to sustain and strengthen the partnership. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Botswana.
BBC News
13-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Somerset mum says under-16s 'should not have smartphones'
A mother has started a campaign to highlight the danger of phones for young people as pupils get ready to take Wilson, from Bath, set up Teched Off to raise awareness of the dangers of social media and smartphones for young students up and down the country are taking their GCSEs and A-levels, there are concerns about how excessive screen time is affecting how they Wilson said: "What I would like is really simple; one is legislation to stop under-16s being on smartphones and social media and two is a public health campaign so parents are educated about the harms." At a panel discussion event in Bath this week, Ms Wilson screened a film about the dangers of smartphones for children, featuring interviews with health professions who are part of the group Health Professionals for Safer Rebecca Foljambe, founder of the group, said children are dealing with issues like "very poor sleep" and body image concerns. Dr Foljambe said: "Speech and language therapists are profoundly concerned and they are adamant that these issues with young children hearing and speaking fewer words, taking less conversational turns, is directly associated to the amount of time they're on screens."There is no evidence for benefits of these screens for children aged 0-2, full stop. None."Screens in bed "affect sleep"Screen time 'at crisis pointShe added that at a time when many young people are sitting exams there are concerns about their ability to focus and to revise. A recent project in one Somerset school showed that taking phones away during school hours made a huge Skinner from Health Professionals for Safer Screens said: "We spend time, money and energy to try and shift those grades and if we can shift it by one or two grades simply by taking phones out, I can't understand why we won't do it."The Department of Health said earlier this year that "more robust" evidence is needed to drawn conclusions about the impact of smartphones on children, and added it is conducting its own research led by the University of Cambridge.
