WA Country Health Services East Kimberley Palliative Care Team honoured at 2023 Palliative Care Awards

An East Kimberley palliative care team that strongly focuses on delivering holistic and culturally appropriate end-of-life care has been recognised at the 2023 Palliative Care Awards. WA Country Health Services East Kimberley Palliative Care Team was named Western Australia’s Outstanding Team Delivering Holistic Palliative Care at the awards ceremony in East Perth last month. Aboriginal health liaison officer Regina ‘Reggie’ Bernard, clinical nurse Abbey Robinson and clinical nurse palliative care Jeff Brooks make up the award-winning palliative care team, focusing on the patient’s physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs at the end of their life. “We think outside the box,” Ms Robinson said. “Life in the Kimberley is unique, so it’s no surprise that palliative care out here is too. “Improving people’s quality of life and giving them a ‘good death’ takes a whole team and having conversations with patients. “We work alongside partner services, families and other community members – without their dedication and love, our patients would not be able to remain at home to receive care.” Ms Robinson said the team takes an innovative and a whole-of-community approach to providing palliative care in the East Kimberley, firmly focusing on improving access to culturally safe, holistic care that acknowledges spiritual connections to country and community for First Nation’s people. “We’re incredibly lucky to have Reggie, our Aboriginal Health Officer, on our team,” she said. “She‘s a great resource and support when caring for our Aboriginal patients and their families. Ms Bernard said it’s important for Aboriginal communities to be able to access culturally appropriate clinical care, ensuring it’s the team’s role to listen to their needs during their end-of-life journey. “Whether it happens at home or in the local hospital they are just happy to be on Country and have their family with them,” she said. “Our palliative care team works to achieve goals that support our patients and their families. Ms Bernard also said it is a privilege to know she is making a difference in her community. “Winning this award means I know my role is helping engage with my First Nations people and our non-Indigenous patients.”