‘A world of difference’; people at heart of palliative care in spotlight

For people like primary school teacher Peter Rasmussen, it’s the ‘unsung heroes’ in the palliative care sector who will ensure his family are taken care of when he’s gone.

Tasmanian Launch of National Palliative Care Week, terminal cancer sufferer Peter Rasmussen and Palliative Care Tasmania CEO Veney Hiller at Government House Tasmania. Picture: Chris Kidd

Peter Rasmussen has found that his perspective changed when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Mr Rasmussen, a father of three and husband to Kirsten, was diagnosed with an inoperable stage 2 brain tumour giving him between seven and 10 years to live.

“I find that you can forget about the other stuff, like work politics and focus on what really matters to you,” he said.

“You really flip day-to-day things positively and it makes a world of difference.”

Mr Rasmussen was a part of the National Palliative Care Week launch at Government House on Monday as he celebrated the “kindness” and compassion from those who work in the sector.

“I have that understanding of the role they take on after caring for my own grandparents in their end-of-life and I know that they will provide those services to care for me and my family when the time comes,” he said.

Tasmanian Launch of National Palliative Care Week, J W Whittle Palliative Care Unit nurse manager Angela Kosmeyer, Specialist Palliative Care Service South Community Team nurse unit manager Nadine Clarke, terminal cancer suffer Peter Rasmussen, Governor and Patron of Palliative Care Tasmania, Her Excellency, the Honourable Barbara Baker AC and Palliative Care Tasmania CEO Veney Hiller at Government House Tasmania. Picture: Chris Kidd

Palliative Care Community Team nurse manager Nadine Clarke has dedicated her career to ensuring Tasmanians’ quality of life towards the end of their life.

Ms Clarke is one of the hundreds of doctors, nurses, carers, volunteers and specialists being celebrated during the week, with this year’s theme of “people at the heart” emphasising the roles involved in end-of-life care.

Her role involves assessing those in need of palliative care and working with them to meet their end-of-life goals.

“We adopt a very patient-focused approach to our care,” she said.

“The work is definitely gruelling, but I think 100 per cent of our staff would say that it’s probably the most rewarding work I’ve ever done as well.

“It’s really a privilege to be able to work with people who are vulnerable and who are facing the end of luck, because that raises all sorts of different issues for different people.”

Palliative Care Tasmania CEO Veney Hiller said the focus on the people at the centre of palliative care was important as Tasmania faces a surge of double the demand for services by 2050.

Terminal cancer suffer Peter Rasmussen and Palliative Care Tasmania CEO Veney Hiller. Picture: Chris Kidd

“The theme is really about acknowledging those unsung heroes in the sector so that people can hear their stories,” she said.

“Palliative care is not just about someone dying, it’s about ensuring their quality of life and all of the factors that involves which encompasses so many people and roles to make happen.”

Patron of Palliative Care Tasmania and Tasmania Governor Her Excellency Barbara Baker launched the week with highlighting an extensive social media campaign, new logo, video series and events by Palliative Care Tasmania.

“Palliative Care Tasmania’s website indicates that there’s been a 50 per cent increase in demand for palliative care services in the past decade,” she said.

“This emphasises the importance of proactive engagement across our entire community.”

National Palliative Care Week continues until Saturday May 25.