PCSA is the peak body for palliative care services and supporters in South Australia.
Who are we?
Palliative Care South Australia (PCSA) is a leading charity and independent peak body representing palliative care providers, the community and people experiencing a serious illness, dying, death and grief, as well as those with an interest in palliative care across South Australia.
PCSA is a membership association. Collectively, the PCSA membership body holds tremendous knowledge and wisdom about the challenges the sector faces and the opportunities those challenges can bring. PCSA is a founding member of Palliative Care Australia.
Our History
The South Australian Association for Hospice Care Inc (SAAHC) was established in 1981. One of the first initiatives was a one-day seminar on palliative care, which attracted thirty nurses. A Pain Control Protocol was prepared and used as a handout for GPs. Six Objectives were developed in 1985 and Dr Balfour Mount spoke at a symposium in Adelaide on “Hospice and Palliative Care”. The SAAHC changed its name to The South Australian Association for Hospice and Palliative Care Inc in 1985, and in 1994 to the Palliative Care Council of South Australia. In 2010 a new constitution and governing structure was adopted and the name was changed to Palliative Care South Australia Inc (PCSA).
In 1990 the first National Conference “Hospice 90” was held in Adelaide, and the “Australian Association for Hospice and Palliative Care” formed, later changing its name to Palliative Care Australia (PCA).
In 1990 Member of Parliament, Jennifer Cashmore, successfully moved for the establishment of a select committee to examine the law and practice relating to death and dying. Work from this committee eventually led to the passing of the first act of parliament in the world containing the word ‘palliative’; the ‘Consent to Medical Treatment and Palliative Care Act 1995’. This Act incorporated legal advance care planning instruments, a Medical Power of Attorney and an Anticipatory Direction. Subsequently on July 1st 2014 the new Advance Care Directives Act 2013 (SA) and changes to the Consent to Medical Treatment and Palliative Care Act 1995 came into effect. Together these changes pave the way for a rights-based person-centred approach to health care. Further information about the Advance Care Directives Act 2013 and its instruments can be found in the folder titled ‘A Clear Path to Care’ Advance Care Directives, Consent and Resuscitation Planning Mentor / Trainer Education Toolkit.
In the 90s The Palliative Care Council of South Australia received project funding to perform work recommended by the select committee on death and dying. This work included raising public and professional awareness of palliative care, and the introduction of the Good Palliative Care Order (now Palliative Care Plan). The booklet “Dealing with dying” was developed, the main text of which is now widely used around Australia.
In 1997 PCSA entered into an agreement with the SA Health to provide a palliative care resource and information service. PCSA has continued to develop resource material, much of which has been used nationally. In 1996 PCSA established the first palliative care web site in Australia.
Helping all South Australians to live, die and grieve well
The Why? The way we care for our dying reflects the humanity and compassion of our society
Other Palliative Care Organisations
Other Jurisdictional Palliative Care Peak organisations include:
PCA affiliate member organisations include:
Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Inclusion
Palliative Care SA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and seas on which we live and work, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We are committed to reconciliation.
Palliative Care SA respects and values diverse life challenges, creating an environment that is inclusive of all.
How PCSA Helps
We Educate: We provide palliative care education for everyone, including community members, community organisations, corporates, as well as health, social and community professionals.
We Advocate: We are the collective voice palliative care in SA. Collectively, the PCSA membership body holds tremendous knowledge and wisdom about the challenges the sector faces and the opportunities those challenges can bring. PCSA advocates both at the state and national level (as a founding member of Palliative Care Australia).
We Support Services We support the palliative care (specialist and generalist) services and their workforce, to improve the quality of life of South Australians experiencing a serious illness, dying, death and grief.
We Raise Awareness: We organise awareness raising campaigns, share communications and host events to showcase what palliative care is, why palliative care is important, how to access palliative care and how you can become a compassionate community or get involved with the palliative care sector.