Jodie Pudney Manager Marketing & Public Relations St John of God Hospital, Murdoch Telephone: (08) 9366 1066 Mobile: 0403 600 854 Email: jodie.pudney@sjog.org.au
Palliative care hospice celebrates its 10th anniversary
13 October 2008
The St John of God Murdoch Community Hospice will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Friday 17 October 2008 with an official Blessing and unveiling of a special community artwork.
This unique 20-bed hospice has been providing the highest level of specialised palliative care to Western Australians - both private and public - since its opening in 1998.
Dr Margherita Nicoletti, Director of Hospice and Palliative Care Services, said as the only purpose built palliative care facility in Western Australia the hospice has and will continue be at the centre of providing services and care to the people of Western Australia.
"With advancing medical treatments patients are living longer with more complex symptoms and the hospice has expanded it services beyond just terminal care," Dr Nicoletti said.
"Through our doctors, nurses and staff we offer a nurturing environment and a holistic approach to patient care which enhances the quality of life for our terminally ill patients."
The people who come through the hospice have a condition that will eventually be fatal such as cancer, neurological diseases, and cardiac disease. Patients as young as 16 years of age and coming from all over Western Australia utilise the facilities and services available at the hospice.
"Whilst ten years ago palliative care was about providing morphine and counselling before slipping away peacefully, today our care includes advanced care planning with a focus on quality of life and symptom control," Dr Nicoletti said.
Over 3,000 patients annually utilise the hospice's support and therapy service such as bereavement support and creative programs, which importantly empowers patients and their carers to make informed choices and improve their quality of life.
The hospice has also become widely known within the health sector as being able to expert support, education and training to those practicing in the area of palliative care.
With a framework of excellence of service already in place at St John of God Murdoch Community Hospice, St John of God Health Care has developed a Palliative Care Strategy that upholds the fundamental value of human dignity and enhances quality of life for patients with a life limiting illness and support for their family.
13 October 2008