You are invited to the upcoming Parliamentary Friends of Palliative Care event 'Paediatric Palliative Care: A pathway for success' to be live-streamed during National Palliative Care Week from 11 am -12 pm AEST on Thursday, 26 May 2022.

Paediatric palliative care is more than you think. It is about improving the quality of life of infants, children and young people diagnosed with a life-limiting condition and supporting those who care for them. 

This event will showcase the incredible work being done by The Paediatric Palliative Care National Action Plan Project, highlighting its co-design approach to improving paediatric palliative care in Australia.

The event's panellists come from a range of backgrounds in paediatric palliative care, each bringing their own unique experiences and perspective to the discussion.

Panel members for the event:  

• Ryan Fowler – together with his wife Karen, founded the charity Rio's Legacy after losing their son Rio in January 2018. The charity, which has since raised $600,000, was established to assist children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Ryan received the Pride of Australia Award for Service to Children's Palliative Care Services.

• Sara Fleming – is the Chair of Paediatric Palliative Care Australia and New Zealand and a member of the Paediatric Palliative Care Steering Committee. Sara Fleming was recognised in this year's Australia Day honours for outstanding public service to the development and provision of Paediatric Palliative Care Services.  

• Tim Rogers – is the National Advocacy Manager at Redkite, supporting children and young people diagnosed with cancer and their families. He has a background in social work, acute care and crisis work.

• Dr Lisa Cuddeford has over 20 years of experience in paediatric palliative medicine in the UK and Australia. In the UK, Lisa was instrumental in setting up a Community Paediatric Palliative Care Service in Birmingham and was the Medical Director for Acorns Children's Hospice. After moving to Australia, Lisa has led the WA Paediatric Palliative Care Service and is delighted to be associated with the development of WA's first Children's Hospice.  

Hosted by Rachel Callander (TEDx presenter and author of 'Super Power Baby Project'), the event will be introduced by the Co-Convenors of the Parliamentary Friends of Palliative Care Group, Senator Catryna Bilyk and the Hon Nola Marino MP.

The Paediatric Palliative Care National Action Plan Project represents a unique opportunity to support health professionals to respond to the specialist needs of children with life-limiting conditions. The Project also addresses the needs of parents and carers seeking assistance to care for a child with high medical needs and life-limiting conditions.

This event will discuss the establishment and development of paediatric palliative care in Australia - the challenges, the successes and the ongoing need to improve paediatric palliative care for all children and families.  

The Parliamentary Friends of Palliative Care Group was established in 2008 to inform Members and Senators on issues about palliative care. The theme of each event seeks to broaden the Government and community's perceptions and understanding of palliative care.  

The webinar is free to attend.

We look forward to you joining us!