May 16, 2025This week, Northern Health joins in recognising National Palliative Care Week (NPCW).
Now in its 30th year, NPCW is celebrating by asking a simple yet powerful question: “What’s your plan?” It’s a direct approach to Australians and their loved ones to talk about what matters most at the end of life and to make a plan that empowers and respects their choices during the last years, months, and days of life.
It’s a very natural and human response for some people to find it difficult to talk about death. However, this reluctance to engage with the topic often contributes to a widespread misunderstanding of what palliative care is and what it can offer.
Julius Quiring, Nurse Unit Manager Palliative Care Unit, explains “Asking the question ‘What’s your plan?’ is a powerful reminder of how important it is to be aware of all the options that are there for you.”
“People shouldn’t be scared of us. Our focus is on ensuring that the patient and their family are helped in any way we can, that symptoms are managed, and we listen to what really matters to them”. Julius continued, “Our team treasure the moments of joy we can bring to patients, that’s our reward”.
No one could say this more clearly than Ali Yilmaz, a recent patient in the unit and a true gentleman, whose story we are honoured to share in the video below. Ali’s experience beautifully brings to life what palliative care means to patients and their families.
He could not believe the facilities and the kind treatment he received here. “I’d never heard of palliative care before I came here, but when I saw the ward and sat on the bed, the first words out of my mouth were ‘This is heaven’. I’ve been able to spend time with old friends and family surrounded by their beautiful faces. When you come here, you’re not losing, you’re gaining.” he said.
Use this National Palliative Care Week to start talking about what actually matters to you and your family. Ask questions, explore Advance Care Planning and know your options. It may be a little uncomfortable, but the potential for a fuller richer life may be right in front of you.
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Featured image – Staff of Palliative Care Unit, Northern Hospital Epping
