Local individuals, families, friends and organisations will gather at the Esplanade Cenotaph in Darwin on Friday 29 May to mark national Palliative Care Week (24-30 May 2009). The memorial service will be open to the general public.
Palliative care is a particularly important topic considering that half a million Australians experience the impact of terminal illness each year. This year's theme is 'If only I knew� finding answers to questions that help us to live and die the best we can.'
"The memorial service will provide a supportive place where loved ones and families can take time to remember and honour those who have died this past year," said Mandy Cox, Pastoral Care Co-ordinator, Top End Territory Palliative Care, NT Department of Health and Families.
"The service also pays tribute to those who have provided support to palliative care patients."
Palliative care allow patients time to spend their last days as closely as possible to the manner in which they lived their lives, and in a dignified, socially, and emotionally supportive atmosphere.
Palliative Care Week is a time for palliative care services, health services, medical centres, community organisations and people with an interest in palliative care to raise awareness about death and dying in the community and the importance of quality care at the end of life.
In addition to the public memorial service at Darwin Cenotaph, a private memorial service will be held for staff who cared for and nursed people at the Territory Palliative Care Hospice located at Royal Darwin Hospital.
Media contacts: Darrel Trueman, 0401 116 203; Cameron Jackson, 0401 116 144
Release date: Tuesday 26 May 2009
