In a significant milestone for advance care planning uptake, 250,000 advance care planning (ACP) documents have now been received from Queenslanders.
The Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning, which is a free Queensland Health service hosted by Metro South Health, confirmed the numbers this week.
Director of the Office, Dr Greg Parker, says that the milestone demonstrates an increased uptake and awareness of ACP in the community.
“We are thrilled to have received 250,000 ACP documents. Queenslanders are using these documents to make their future health care wishes known if there is a time when they can’t speak for themselves due to illness or injury,” Dr Parker said.
Sending copies of completed ACP documents to the Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning ensures that authorised health professionals throughout the state can access them when needed to provide care that reflects what matters most to each person.
“It’s not always an easy conversation to have,” notes Dr Parker.
“But there are resources to help make a start. It’s never too early to start planning.”
The Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning offers free information and resources – including how to access forms like the Advance Health Directive, Enduring Power of Attorney, and Statement of Choices.
Life’s better with a plan. Get started with a free information pack or call 1300 007 227 for more information.