Page 846 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 20 April 2021
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Canberra Health Services will work with local communities and other healthcare providers to ensure the services at each centre are tailored of the needs of the region.
We will also take the opportunity to consider how walk-in centres, community health centres and these new local health hubs can work together as an integrated network to ensure we are providing the range of services Canberrans need in the right place at the right time.
MS ORR: Minister, can you update the Assembly on how the 2020-21 budget is helping people who wish to receive end of life care in their home and their families?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Ms Orr for this important question—a matter that is so vital and so sensitive and so very important for those who are affected. During the last election I announced that the government would support Palliative Care ACT to establish and operate a residential respite hub for people with life-limiting illness and their families and carers. This budget delivers by providing funding to operate a four-bed proof-of-concept respite facility, Leo’s Place. Leo’s Place supports carers to continue to care for their loved ones at home for as long as possible by providing non-clinical, overnight and day respite services for people with life-limiting illness, providing carers with a break from their caring duties.
People who attend a non-clinical respite facility have access to the same clinical services as if they were at home. Not only does this support carers and patients to access their preferred care options, but it may also slow the growth in demand for more costly and limited inpatient palliative care services, although I note we are also expanding those.
I was lucky enough to visit Leo’s Place just prior to its opening, and I am pleased to report that the care and sensitivity that the team at Palliative Care ACT have taken and the calm environment that they have created was very impressive. This is being borne out by feedback. In the very early stages of operation the feedback from families, carers and clients has been overwhelmingly positive.
Leo’s Place is going well so far with more than 30 days of day respite and 18 night stays, the longest being a week, with more booked in and lots of referrals coming through. The majority of referrals are coming from the specialist care team at Clare Holland House and about half of the clients have been under the age of 70, with the youngest client in their 40s. The government recognises the importance of providing people with care closer to home, and this budget and this initiative continue to deliver on that commitment.
Municipal services—play spaces
MS CLAY: My question is to the Minister for Transport and City Services. We know that community groups and residents know their area best, and they often come to me to give me their great ideas about how we can improve our suburbs. I recently spoke to a community group called SMILE, who would like to revitalise some land adjacent to the Melba Copland school’s playing courts and turn this unused space into a
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