Start a conversation this Advance Care Planning Week

Across our District, a special group of clinicians help ensure the end of a person’s life is dignified and reflective of their wishes. 

SESLHD’s Palliative and End-of-life Care service is asking the community to start a conversation with their loved ones: how would you like to be cared for? Who would you like to speak on your behalf if you’re too unwell to speak for yourself? 

Sarah Williams (pictured right) is an Advance Care Planning Nurse Consultant at Prince of Wales Hospital and nearby health services and aged care facilities. She facilitates important conversations about end-of-life preferences with patients, families and healthcare teams. 

For Sarah, one woman’s story has stayed with her. 

“Mary* had an illustrious career as the director of nursing at a nursing home in New South Wales, where she devoted more than three decades of her life,” Sarah says. 

“Tragically, as her journey came full circle, Mary found herself receiving care in the same facility she had once managed.” 

“In the face of her declining health, Mary took a decisive step by completing an Advance Care Directive while still capable.” 

Mary’s advance care preferences were at odds with that of her adult children. Since she was able to assert what kind of care she wanted while she was well enough, it meant her final wishes were able to be honoured. 

“Mary's life came to a peaceful close, fulfilling her last wish and reflecting the dignity with which she lived,” Sarah says. 

“It’s so important that all of us, regardless of age or health status, tell our loved ones how we’d like to be cared for in the final moments of our life.” 

“As clinicians, we should be encouraging our patients to have these conversations and think about the future.” 

For Advance Care Planning Week, Sarah and Rachel Craft (pictured left), Health Promotion Officer for the District’s Palliative Care service, set up a stall in the community. Talking to members of the public, they are confident the message is getting through. 

*A pseudonym has been used