Compassionate Care In Focus During Palliative Care Week

Mackay nurse navigator Shona O’Neill is being recognised during Palliative Care Week for her work supporting patients with life-limiting illness and improving quality of life through compassionate, coordinated care. Photo source: MHHS

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As Palliative Care Week came to a close last week, the work of Mackay Hospital and Health Service’s Specialist Palliative Care team highlighted the important role compassionate, coordinated care plays in improving quality of life for patients with life-limiting illness.

For acting nurse navigator Shona O’Neill, palliative care is not simply about end-of-life support, but helping people live as well as possible during difficult circumstances.

“It’s not just about end-of-life care,” Shona said.

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“It’s about helping people live as well as possible in the time they have — managing symptoms, supporting emotional needs, and helping people make informed choices about their care.”

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Working within the Specialist Palliative Care Service at Mackay Hospital and Health Service, Shona helps coordinate care between medical teams, GPs and community services while supporting patients and families through emotionally challenging periods.

“No two days are the same,” she said.

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“I might be attending outpatient appointments, visiting patients at home, or supporting them over the phone. A big part of what I do is making sure people feel connected — that they’re not facing this alone.”

Shona’s interest in palliative care developed during eight years working on a medical ward at Mackay Base Hospital, where she witnessed the impact coordinated care could have for patients and families.

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“That experience really stayed with me,” she said.

“I could see how much better things could be for patients and families with the right support in place, and I wanted to be part of that.”

Since joining Mackay HHS in 2016, Shona has continued building her expertise, completing postgraduate oncology studies and currently undertaking a Master of Nurse Practitioner in palliative care.

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Her current studies include developing a nurse practitioner-led palliative care model aimed at improving access to care, strengthening advance care planning and reducing avoidable hospital admissions.

While many people view palliative care as emotionally difficult work, Shona said she sees it as a privilege.

“It can be emotional, but it’s also a privilege,” she says.

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“You’re supporting people through one of the most significant times in their lives. There’s a lot of meaning in helping someone feel comfortable, informed and supported.”

She said the work had also changed her own perspective on life.

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“It’s taught me a lot about what truly matters to people, including relationships, comfort, dignity,” she says.

“It gives you a different perspective on life.”

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