Summary
Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning (OACP) based in Metro South Health is celebrating 10 years of support.
Advice on making choices now about your future health care is available at all hospitals and on our website.
The Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning (OACP) based in Metro South Health is celebrating 10 years of support for people, families and healthcare professionals documenting their future health care wishes.
Advance Care Planning involves thinking about and discussing what future health care you do and don't want. The team have a significant role to play with ACP forms or helping with decisions around appointing someone you trust to make health or financial decisions for you.
Leanne and Cara from OACP are just two members of this vital support team who provide information, education and resources when deciding what matters most.
“It’s about helping people have important conversations and ensuring their healthcare preferences are known,” said Leanne and Cara.
“'Having seen the challenges that can arise when a person’s wishes are unknown, we're passionate about supporting advance care planning and person-centred care.”
They said ACP is relevant for everyone, it's not just for people who are older or living with serious illness.
“Unexpected health events can happen at any stage of life, and having conversations about what matters most can provide valuable guidance for families and healthcare teams.
“These conversations are not always easy, but they can give people greater confidence that their preferences will be known and respected if they're ever unable to speak for themselves.”
When speaking about their own part in this 10-year journey of making a difference in people’s lives, Cara and Leanne said that it's been incredibly rewarding to hear stories of families who have been able to honour their loved one’s wishes.
“It’s a privilege to be part of a team that promotes dignity, respect and person-centred care across Queensland.
“Most of us hope for the same thing at the end of our lives; to have the people we love by our side and to know that if we can't speak for ourselves, someone else knows what matters most to us.”
Advice on making choices now about your future health care is available at all hospitals and on our website.