Welcome.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Last week, the lady with whom I was scheduled to chat, became ill with a flu she didn’t want to share with me.
Time-wise, I was out of my comfort zone, so I called Jeanette Powell.
Jeanette always has a full diary, is never out of her comfort zone and as its president, loves talking about our GV Hospice.
So do I, and I last wrote about this wonderful community palliative care service in 2022; much has happened since.
The last time we met, Jeanette and I talked for four-and-a-half hours, with the excuse that we hadn’t caught up for 35 years.
On this occasion, she found me a small space in her diary and we both knew we would need to be sensible and efficient.
And we almost succeeded.
GV Hospice
There are 72 community palliative care organisations in Australia and they are regularly monitored on 20 benchmarks.
Last year, our GV Hospice achieved 20 out of 20.
This is the first time a community hospice has achieved 100 per cent — in 20 years.
When I heard this, my first thoughts were with the staff, specialist nurses, health care workers, and the many volunteers; there is also the dedicated and passionate Committee of Management, many of whom have been involved for 30 years.
I felt admiration and gratitude, as I also thought of the many clients, carers and families, who have been supported and cared for.
By the way, their vision is ‘to lead, promote and develop excellence in palliative care’.
They might have met this vision, don’t you think?
I’m also thinking of the many community groups who raise funds to support this achievement.
The GV Hospice Car Rally has raised around $1.3 million, over 29 years.
Then there are ‘Friends of Hospice’, many local groups, an op shop, donations, and bequests.
All the money raised locally goes directly to the support of clients, their families and specific equipment if needed, such as special beds, recliners, oxygen cylinders — and end of life care, in a place chosen by the client; all free of charge.
The Victorian Government pays for 9 to 5 care, five days each week.
However, our Hospice offers 24/7 care, and the government has indicated there will be no increase in funding.
Their patient numbers have increased substantially over the years.
So, the community needs Hospice and Hospice needs the community.
Wellbeing program
This year, some innovations have been added to the wellbeing program.
Imagine this — let’s say a grandmother, her daughter and granddaughter hold hands to create a plaster mould, a beautiful mould that speaks of ever-lasting love.
It doesn’t take much time at all, but imagine the comfort it could give in the future. Perhaps, in the years to come, the granddaughter passes this on to her grandchild.
What a wonderful item to leave behind.
Clients can, if they wish, speak about their life and the changes they have seen, and it can be written and recorded for their families.
Fingerprints can be added to a special piece of jewellery. There is much that can be done, and very specific needs can be met.
How fortunate we are
Here we have specialty nurses who, with their client, speak with GPs or specialists about treatment options.
They co-ordinate appointments and organise medications if necessary.
They are in constant touch with the family, if required; they work with aged care facilities, with Centrelink, with My Aged Care.
They do everything they can, to ease the pathway ahead — and they are among the best in Australia.
In fact, they may be the very best in our country.
Here we have caring volunteers and community groups who work to ensure the wonderful service continues.
I continue to feel very real gratitude for it all.
I’m sure you join me in saying “Thank you so much” to everyone involved.
And, if you are ever in a bit of a hole, call the busiest person you know. Thanks once again Jeanette.
May it be easy, my friends.
Marnie
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Phone: Text or call 0409 317187