Overview
This week was Palliative Care Week, and we were so grateful to be able to chat with Dr Sonia Fullerton, Palliative Care Physician from Peter Mac Cancer Centre in Melbourne. Together we explored and dispelled some common myths about this important topic, as well as learning a little about Sonia’s current areas of passion and research.
Things we covered:
What is palliative care?
What sorts of things can palliative care help with?
Where is palliative care available?
What is the difference between hospital and community palliative care services?
What is needed for someone to be referred to palliative care?
What things should be considered before making a self-referral, or seeking medical referral to palliative care?
What drew Dr Fullerton to palliative care as an area of speciality?
Areas of current passion and research
Helpful links:
Palliative Care Australia website (including National Palliative Care Services Directory): https://palliativecare.org.au/
Advance Care Planning Australia: https://www.advancecareplanning.org.au/
Resources for COVID-19
Coronacast Podcast featuring Professor Dorothy Keefe, from Cancer Australia (10 mins):https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/coronacast/cancer-patients-and-the-vaccine-what-do-we-know/13231220
“Facebook Friday” broadcasts have focussing specifically on COVID-19 – infectious diseases physician A/Prof Patrick Charles at: https://youtu.be/Jp05RIwlgb0
and NeuroEndocrine Cancer UK’s Cathy Bouvier and Kate Quirk at: https://youtu.be/_RqTb_wiaCA
To contact Kate Wakelin (NET Nurse), email NETNurse@neuroendocrine.org.au or call 1300 287 363.
This video was originally broadcast into our Facebook Private Discussion Group. If you are affected by NETs (either as a patient or carer) and in Australia, you’re welcome to join this group – www.facebook.com/groups/472805285594/ (once you click on “Join Group”, you will be guided to answer three questions, so we can approve your membership). Our Carers group is at www.facebook.com/groups/797093257354706
Please note that the information provided in this video is general, and not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding your own health or a medical concern.
