By Danielle Kutchel
A petition to build a new home for a palliative care provider has gained close to 1000 signatures.
The petition, which was started in support of Palliative Care South East (PCSE) in August, has more than 800 signatures.
Signers are calling for increased Federal government funding to put towards a new purpose-built home for the service at 80 Victor Crescent, Narre Warren.
Construction commenced earlier this month.
PCSE currently serves the LGAs of Casey, Cardinia, Greater Dandenong and Kingston and has been co-located with Monash Health in Cranbourne for 30 years.
More than half of the service’s clients come from Casey.
CEO Kelly Rogerson said the petition was the suggestion of La Trobe MP Jason Wood to gauge the level of support within the community – and with the petition passing
its 500-signature target, she said now is the time for action from the government.
“What we really need now is the petition to be acted upon by the Commonwealth funders, led by Mr Wood,” she said.
“Anyone who has accessed palliative care services will testify to the great levels of support that can be provided.
“Anyone who has a life-limiting illness, faces significant challenges. PCSE help. We are a free service that supports people to live well despite their illness and we support them to manage symptoms and die in their place of choice.”
Mr Wood said he was “fighting tooth and nail” for the funding required.
But he said “no solution” had yet been found.
“I thank everyone for signing the petition and supporting the proposal; I would also welcome the State Government’s support,” Mr Wood added.
To sign the petition, visit research.net/r/XQB9RNX.
