In November 2017, the Victorian government engaged an expert panel to review palliative care offerings and services across Victoria to identify areas for improvement. The Panel, made up of Patricia Faulkner AO, Jennifer Williams and Carmel Smith published their Palliative Care Funding Model Review Report (Report) in October 2018.
The Panel undertook a review and consultation process before making seven recommendations which are set out in the Report. The recommendations include additional funding for community-based palliative care services and seeking increased activity in the use of community-based services for certain patient cohorts.
The Report also recommends better integration of palliative care with other services (such as hospitals) and supports the inclusion of more flexible palliative care arrangements which allow people to die at home. The Report acknowledges and recommends that further investment in technology and support systems is required to implement a more patient-centred approach to palliative care.
In the last 12 months, the government has provided an additional $23.4 million in funding which is intended to address some of the recommendations by increasing palliative care beds and access to home-based palliative care.
Read the Report here.