News

Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) is hosting a series of events to help residents of Orange and Dubbo consider their future medical care and understand the importance of advance care planning.

The events are being held by WNSW PHN on March 22^nd at Orange City Centre, March 23^rd at Orange Central Square and Dubbo’s Orana Mall Shopping Centre, and on March 24^th at North Orange Shopping Centre and Dubbo Square Shopping Mall as part of National Advance Care Planning Week 2021.

Members of the public are invited to attend these events and take advantage of the opportunity to discuss what living well means to them and learn how plans can be made today to provide a medical care road map for tomorrow.

“We want to help people prepare for a time when they may be too sick to speak for themselves and consider a scenario where family and doctors are left to make tough decisions. Advance care planning can give people a voice, ensuring they remain in the driver’s seat, regardless of what the future brings,” Alison Stoker, WNSW PHN Palliative Approach Project Manager.

With an ageing population, advance care planning is becoming an increasing priority for both the community and health sector. As it currently stands less than 15% of Australians have documented their preferences in an Advance Care Directive, even though around 30%  of people will be too unwell to make their own end-of-life decisions.

Program Director of Advance Care Planning Australia, Linda Nolte is delighted to see the communities of Orange and Dubbo getting behind the initiative.

“It’s great to see organisations like WNSW PHN helping people to take a more active role in their future health care. We hope that these events help empower the people of Orange and Dubbo to speak up about the kind of care they want, and ensure their preferences are heard and respected, now and into the future.”

For more information on National Advance Care Planning Week please visit acpweek.org.au

Event Details

-       Orange

Monday March 22, 10am to 2pm, Orange City Centre

Tuesday March 23, 10am to 2pm, Orange Central Square

Wednesday March 24, 10am to 2pm, North Orange Shopping Centre

-       Dubbo

Tuesday March 23, 10am to 2pm, Orana Mall Shopping Centre

Wednesday March 24, 10am to 2pm, Dubbo Square Shopping Mall

What is advance care planning?

Advance care planning promotes care that is consistent with your goals, values, beliefs and preferences. It prepares you and others to plan for future health care and a time when you may no longer be able to communicate those decisions yourself. 

Key facts about advance care planning

• Around 30% of people will not be able to make their own end-of-life medical decisions[1].
• Less than 15% of Australians have documented their preferences in an Advance Care Directive[2] (ACD). (25% of people aged 65+ have an ACD)[3]
• A third of Australians will die before the age of 75[4].
• Most people die after a chronic illness, not a sudden event³.
• Research shows that advance care planning can reduce anxiety, depression and stress experienced by families and that they’re more likely to be satisfied with their loved one’s care[5].

About Advance Care Planning Australia

Funded by the Australian Government, Advance Care Planning Australia is the national authority on advance care planning. The organisation supports the public and healthcare professionals to ensure people’s values and medical care preferences are heard and respected. advancecareplanning.org.au