National Palliative Care Week

Calvary’s mission is dedicated to providing equitable access to the best possible palliative care.

We reflect on what excellence in palliative care is, through the direct experience of recipient families and the palliative care experts who accompany them.

We thank Zane Porter who has experienced both sides of care having worked as an enrolled nurse at Calvary for 6 years prior to her diagnosis, and others featured below, for sharing their deeply personal experiences of palliative care. We hope their experiences are of benefit and comfort to you If you or someone close to you is very ill, or someone close to you has died recently.

We advise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visitors that some photographs on this website may contain images of deceased persons which may cause sadness or distress.

Zane’ story

Zane’s son, Ben, explains how his mother’s experience in the palliative care unit at Calvary Health Care Kogarah allowed her to continue to have control and maintain dignity throughout her treatment.

Kerry’s story

Kerry reveals some of his own misconceptions when starting palliative care at Calvary Riverina, and how his treatment has taught him that “life is for living and I’m not going to waste it”.

You are the expert in your own loss.

However, we hope this booklet may be a companion and assistant If someone close to you is very ill or has died recently, to help you through what can be a distressing time.