Improving Palliative Care Services in Latrobe

Palliative Care was identified as a priority for the Advocate in her 2018/19 Statement of Intent. Her office undertook significant research and community engagement that resulted in a report to the Minister for Health. Achieving Victoria’s best end of life experience for people in Latrobe, released in September 2019, outlines 12 recommendations to achieve Victoria’s best end of life experience for people in Latrobe.

In May 2020 the Advocate provided a Progress Report to the Minister and Latrobe communities that highlighted the changes that have been implemented as a result of her recommendations.

Within less than a year, and amongst the disruption of the global coronavirus pandemic, the Victorian Government and local health services remained committed to addressing the concerns of Latrobe communities and responding to recommendations from the Latrobe Health Advocate about end of life palliative care services.

In September 2021 the Advocate produced a second progress update, developed with input from the Department of Health and local services in Latrobe, to acknowledge the work that has been done and highlight the areas that require greater attention.

The Advocate would like to acknowledge the Department of Health and local health services who have recognised the importance of responding to the aspirations of Latrobe communities and openly shared the successes and challenges they have experienced.

Right now, health services in Latrobe, Victoria and the rest of the world are experiencing significant disruption as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic. The impact of the pandemic and response of governments and services has demonstrated that large scale change is possible.