A new report calls for an overhaul of the palliative care system in Australia, revealing it could save $450 million by boosting funding for at-home end-of-life services, the Catholic Leader reports.
Seen in the light of Australia’s end-of-life debate, the KPMG report bolsters the Catholic Church case that state governments should fix the existing health system, not consider legislation to allow voluntary assisted dying.
Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge said the report showed “that there was more to palliative care than meets the eye”.
“It’s not just about managing pain, nor is it just about spending a lot of money,” he said.
“Comprehensive palliative care sees beyond the pain to the whole person and makes good economic sense. That’s why it has to be the right option”.
The Queensland Government is now looking for ways to boost palliative care services, and the KPMG report puts a strong economic case for making it available as an essential part of the health system.
“As we prepare for an ageing population and other unexpected stresses to our health care system, like COVID-19, we must look seriously at reforming our system to ensure it can meet people’s needs into the future,” Palliative Care Australia chair Professor Meera Agar said.
“Palliative care is about quality of life, living well with a palliative diagnosis, and about dying well.
“Through an additional annual investment of $365 million on national reform, we can save up to $464 million in other health system costs while making the system work best for those experiencing it.
“We have to spend money to save money and that’s backed by leading economists.”
FULL STORY
Boosting at-home palliative care services could save Australia $450 million, new report shows (Catholic Leader)