The Eyre Peninsula Division of General Practice and Mid West Health Service together received a share in $6.7 million funding from the Rural Palliative Care Project.

Federal Ageing Minister Justine Elliott said the funding would benefit 36 rural parts of Australia, including the Mid West on Eyre Peninsula.

The funding will allow the appointment of a palliative care coordinator who will coordinate allied health and specialist services with the general practitioner, the client, their family and carers central to the model of care.

The coordinator will provide this service to people in the council areas of Elliston, Streaky Bay and Wudinna.

Eyre Peninsula Division of General Practice executive officer Raelene Fuller said each year over a half a million Australians receive palliative care.

“This funding injection will allow more people in our community to spend their last days in familiar surrounds,” Ms Fuller said.

“Too often country Australians are forced to use services in metropolitan areas that can be far away from their families and friends.”

Mid West Health Service community health services director Jane Carey said the funding would benefit many people in the Mid West region.

“Appropriate local support services are important to help reduce stress and improve quality of life for everyone involved,” she said.

“Palliative care involves a team-based coordinated approach which includes GPs, nurses, allied health professionals, family, friends, pastoral carers and strong linkages to palliative care specialists.”