North West Hospital and Health Service (HHS) is pleased to announce the upcoming changes to its palliative care service, made possible by the Queensland Government’s Palliative and End-of-Life Care Strategy.

As part of the strategy, North West HHS has received funding of approximately $850,000 for the 2023-2024 financial year, along with 5.1 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. This investment will be used to establish and recruit new permanent workforce positions to expand and enhance the palliative care services in the region.

Acting Director of Frail, Older Persons, and Palliative Care, Andric Lu, said the funding is an exciting opportunity for our health service to complement and strengthen the current public and community services available in the North West region.

“By expanding our services, we aim to provide increased support for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families and carers, with our health partners and general practice colleagues. This additional investment will enable us to ensure care remains high-quality, accessible, and enables people to exercise genuine choice at end of life,” he said. 

“An expanded specialist palliative care workforce will also support the primary care sector to build capability and skills to support people to receive care in the community. We recognise the importance of partnerships across sectors, including with the primary health sector, to integrate services and provide better care for individuals living with a life-limiting condition, allowing them and their families to receive compassionate care that meets their individual needs, preferences and goals at the end of life.”

As part of the workforce expansion, North West HHS is currently recruiting two clinical nurses, a senior social worker and administration support. Further work is also being undertaken to ensure an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker is recruited to the palliative care team, and information will be shared publicly once applications are open for this role.

North West HHS takes pride in being an employer of choice, and encourages interested applicants to submit an application. For further information about the job opportunities available, please contact Donna McGregor on 0499 727 072.

Apply here: Smart Jobs and Careers website.

Apply here: Smart Jobs and Careers website.

Apply here: Smart Jobs and Careers website.

The Queensland Government’s Palliative and End-of-Life Care Strategy, released in October 2022, is part of the government's commitment of $171 million to reform palliative care in Queensland.