Help at end of the line for palliative care patients

A free phone line to help families navigate end-of-life support has been fast-tracked by the State Government as inquiries soar in the face of COVID-19.

The State Government launched its $100,000 palliative care support line this month after services reported increased demand about care options.

Palliative Care WA will deliver the service for the next six months, providing direct communication with anyone living with a chronic or terminal condition, their carers, family members or friends.

The organisation said they had experienced a spike in calls from people with a life-threatening illness, worried about what their end-of-life choice would be if they contracted COVID-19.

Albany telephone responder Michelle McClure said she wanted to help families debunk the myths surrounding palliative care.

As a former manager of the Albany Hospice with more than 20 years experience in palliative care, Ms McClure is one of seven knowledgeable team members on the line to offer support seven days a week.

“It’s really hard navigating the health system, even for a health professional, so I think this service fills that gap,” she said.

“I’m very passionate about people being well informed, being able to make choices and breaking down the barriers around death and dying so people can have conversations about it.”

The hotline provides information about advanced care planning, palliative care, grief and loss.

Call 1800 573 299.