National action plan launched to improve palliative care for infants and children

A national action plan has been developed to improve the quality and availability of palliative care for infants, children and young people with a life limiting illness.

Developed by Palliative Care Australia and Paediatric Palliative Care Australia and New Zealand, the action plan outlines a national approach to paediatric palliative care with four high-level priorities: 

• Quality
• Access
• Information sharing and collaboration 
• Data and research

Paediatric palliative care helps to improve the quality of life for an infant, child or young person diagnosed with a life-limiting condition, and support those who care for them.

The action plan aims to ensure the families and carers of infants and children with a life-limiting condition, understand their palliative care options and receive the information and care they need. 

It also provides an outline to all governments, key stakeholder organisations, health services and all health workers involved in the provision of paediatric palliative care.

To support the implementation of the plan and raise community awareness of the benefits of paediatric palliative care, the Australian Government is providing $1.25 million over three years (from 2023–24) to Palliative Care Australia to progress this important work.

The funding will be used to raise awareness of the benefits of paediatric palliative care, develop and disseminate important educational resources, develop new training m

“When an infant or child is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, it is an enormously tough time for the child and their families and loved ones,” said Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney. 

“The national action plan will help people to understand that paediatric palliative care isn’t all about dying, it’s about making each precious moment of life as good as it can be.”

Access the action plan here.