LGBTIQ+ palliative and end-of-life care resources Specific resources for LGBTIQ+ people have been recently developed with the title Taking control: LGBTQ+ Toolkit for Palliative Care and End of Life Decisions. You can access the resources here https://www.acon.org.au/what-we-are-here-for/palliative-care-support/ The resources emphasise that: It’s best to start having end of life conversations before you need to, even if it…
NSW Government recognises diversity and inclusion in first ever LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy In an important development for our state, the NSW Government recently released the first-ever LGBTIQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer) Health Strategy 2022-2027. The NSW LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy (the Strategy) marks a significant commitment in the history of the NSW health system. The…
Focus on travel and accommodation costs for cancer patients in NSW Cancer Council NSW, through its pre-budget submission to the NSW Government, recently urged it to improve support for cancer patients, particularly in relation to ‘access to care for those in rural and regional NSW and to support the emotional and financial wellbeing of people…
Federal election imminent: what commitments need to be made to help improve the lives of those affected by cancer? With the federal election to be held before the end of May this year, cancer and broader health organisations have been developing election ‘manifestos‘ or ‘platforms’ for presentation to federal politicians in the lead-up to the…
Federal Budget: wins for cancer The recent Federal Budget contained some ‘wins’ for cancer, with significant funding allocated to a number of cancer types, including breast, prostate, pancreatic, bowel and some rare cancers. Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) described the budget as having a ‘promising focus on affordability and accessibility’. Chief Executive of RCA, Richard Vines,…
VAD legislation update The introduction of voluntary assisted dying (VAD) arrangements in NSW continues to progress, albeit slowly, with further action by NSW politicians still required to provide those with a terminal illness the right to choose the time and manner of their death. The Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021 was considered by the NSW…