Parramatta and Cumberland community leaders came together to discuss their next moves in supporting the ‘Westmead Push for Palliative Care’ campaign at a roundtable event recently.
The campaign to establish an acute palliative care ward at Westmead has been gaining momentum for some time now, with a groundswell of support from both sides of politics.
Following a parliamentary petition sponsored by Parramatta MP Geoff Lee, Health Minister Brad Hazzard requested in March that Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) investigate the opportunity to create an additional, dedicated palliative care ward at Westmead.
Among those in attendance at the roundtable were representatives from City of Parramatta Council, Cumberland City Council, Parramatta Leagues Club, Parramatta Chamber of Commerce, India Australia Strategic Alliance, Community Migrant Resource Centre, Western Sydney Cancer Advocacy Network, Young Professionals Network and the Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church.
Former WSLHD Palliative Care Director, Dr Phillip Lee, who has led the campaign, said it is heartening to see such strong support from the community’s leaders.
“Healthcare is provided for the public and is funded by the public and the administration is there to implement that not dictate what the public should receive as healthcare,” he said.
Dr Lee is hopeful things are progressing after meeting with Mr Hazzard and the WSLHD Chief Executive recently.
Last year City of Parramatta Council endorsed a motion by Councillor Sameer Pandey that sought to advocate to the State Government on behalf of the campaign.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer confirmed confirmed the Council had received a letter response from Mr Hazzard and said the Council will now reach out for more in-depth discussions.
“Our city is growing… palliative care will become a growing issue because of our growing population, so we can’t leave it until the last minute,” he said.
The 2020-21 State Budget included $56 million over four years to further enhance palliative care.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet announced on Thursday a further $82.8 million over the next four years as part of the 2021-22 Budget.
“The announcement includes support for hospital-based palliative care services in our district, which will include additional patient beds,” a WSLHD spokesperson said.
“A review of our palliative care services will continue to be undertaken by WSLHD, so that we can ensure we are providing the most appropriate care to the people of western Sydney, now and in the future.”
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.