Redhead Gardens Hostel, NSW - Palliative approach - awarded 2009

Redhead Palliative Approach Model of Care

The Whiddon Group Redhead is a 59 bed aged care facility. Ageing in place is practised within the facility. Staff had great pride in the manner in which they cared for clients during the death and dying phase of life. The advanced care plan or end of life directives were in place for all clients and had been the practice for the past two years, following education received from the Hunter New England Area Health special project officers. Relatives had praised the staff on the manner in which care had been delivered to their loved ones during the dying period.

A series of process issues that arose over a four day public holiday period forced management to return to the Department of Health and Ageing "Guidelines for a Palliative Approach in Residential Aged Care." A multi-disciplinary committee was convened and a gap analysis was commenced. Many gaps were identified. It was also revealed that there were many standards in place but they had not been considered under the palliative approach.

A clinical nurse specialist was employed. Staff were given education on palliative care, palliative approach and equipment. A comprehensive palliative care plan was developed, flow charts and list of clients who were identified under the pre-determined criteria. Management has processes in place to ensure that staff have the knowledge, skills and equipment to provide the best possible care for palliative care clients. The palliative approach care plan is individualised for each client and the client is cared for as a unique individual as a direct result of the program.

The Palliative Approach Committee reports directly to the Medication Advisory Committee therefore ensuring accountability and responsibility. The program has been disseminated widely and improvement ideas have been generated from this process. The program has brought about many changes and has received much praise from key stakeholders.

The program will continue to evolve in line with advances in medical science, research and customer satisfaction to meet the needs of the clients, family members and staff alike.