Cancer Council NSW is calling on the NSW Minister for Health to end the shortage of palliative care by funding 10 additional specialist palliative doctors, at a minimum; 129 palliative care nurses; and culturally appropriate palliative care for Aboriginal people.

Judy Ekert from Balloon Worx is one of the local business owners backing Cancer Council NSW’s I Care for Palliative Care campaign.

“I know how important it is to our community that there are enough palliative care specialists available,” Mrs Ekert said.

“Everyone is affected by cancer at some stage in their lives, and we want to support our community members who may have to face terminal illness and need palliative care.”

Cancer Council advocate for Cessnock, Kelly Moylan said it was great to have the support of local businesses.

“We need more palliative care doctors and nurses in NSW as soon as possible, and it is great to know we have their backing to help make this a reality,” Ms Moylan said.

The NSW Government’s state action plan for palliative care has acknowledged that there are gaps in specialist palliative care services in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW and for Aboriginal people.

Cancer Council NSW and the Can Act community are calling on other local businesses to join the campaign.

To register interest, visit http://www.canact.com.au/palliative_care_endorsement.

National Palliative Care Week runs from May 21 to 28.