Equal partners
Chronic pain - pain that doesn't go away after the injury or illness has resolved and lasts at least three months - is arguably Australia and the world's fastest growing medical condition and is a significant issue affecting Australians.
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Living with ongoing pain can lead to feelings of hopelessness and can all too often lead to isolation, mental health issues and a declining ability to effectively manage pain - an extremely vicious and heart-breaking cycle. Pain is often invisible and people face the additional burden of not being believed.
National Pain Week (July 22-28) is an annual initiative of Chronic Pain Australia, the voice of Australians living in chronic pain. It aims to destigmatise the experiences of people living with chronic pain and provide an outlet to share their stories and experiences with the wider community. This year's theme is "Equal Partners in my healthcare" to highlight the need for people with chronic pain to be included in the decisions and policies that affect their lives.
During National Pain Week, people living with chronic pain are encouraged to share their experiences and ideas at chronicpainaustralia.org.au/forum
Jarrod McMaugh
President, Chronic Pain Australia
Palliative care 'core business'
Aged care policy should align with the World Health Organisation definition of palliative care and not be restricted to "end of life" or last days/weeks.
Palliative care must be included and clearly articulated in the Aged Care Quality Standards, which all Commonwealth-funded aged care services are required to meet.
All undergraduate nursing, allied health, medical courses and Certificate courses for care workers must include mandatory units on palliative care.
National Minimum Data Sets must be established for palliative care which include both health and aged care.
Funding is needed to fully implement the National Palliative Care Strategy ensuring aged care is included.
Investment and the development of innovative models of care are required to ensure older people have equitable access to specialist palliative care.
Palliative care should be a COAG priority supported by the appointment of a National Palliative Care Commissioner to help address the aged care and health interface issues.
Palliative care should be a COAG priority supported by the appointment of a National Palliative Care Commissioner to help address the aged care and health interface issues.
PCA is currently working with state and territory members and key stakeholders to prepare a full submission to the Royal Commission.
Dr Jane Fischer
Palliative Care Australia (PCA) Board Chair
Up close and personal with ADF
Ever wanted to get an up-close and personal look into where the Australian Defence Force develops its future leaders?
That's what the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) is offering three lucky winners with the ADFA VIP Experience - and Eurobodalla Shire entrants are encouraged.
For the fifth year in a row, the ADFA VIP Experience competition is open to 16 to 22 year olds nation-wide. The annual event gives prospective recruits the chance to experience a range of unique military activities.
Competition entrants will be asked to complete a short quiz to determine their leadership style and explain in 50 words or less, why they would be a great future leader.
The 2019 ADFA Open Day will be held on Saturday, August 24. Entries for the ADFA VIP Experience competition close on July 31 2019.