Minister launches new multicultural initiative to improve access to palliative care
An exciting new initiative to improve support with life-limiting illness, death and grief for multicultural communities was launched by the Victorian Minister for Health, Hon David Davis, on Tuesday, 6th August 2013.
The Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria, the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health and Palliative Care Victoria are the lead project partners and will use best practice approaches to raise awareness about palliative care and improve access to these services.
During 2013-14, the initiative will focus on the Chinese, Italian, Maltese, Turkish and Vietnamese communities.
Around 90 peer education sessions about palliative care will be provided by qualified bi-lingual educators, along with ethnic media and communications.
Around 50 people attended the launch, including representatives from 24 multicultural, ethno-specific, palliative care, government and other agencies.
“The initiative will build on the foundations laid over the past few years, including short films and brochures about palliative care in 23 community languages. It is a great example of how partnerships help us to improve access to culturally responsive palliative care services,” said the Minister.