Southern Metropolitan Region
Palliative Care Consortium

COVID-19

Our response

Dear SMRPCC supporters,

In response to this unprecedented health emergency, we are actively monitoring and responding to government health advice. Our priority is the safety of people with a life limiting illness, their families and carers, employees and our community including health and aged care professionals.

Throughout this emergency, we are here to assist our member organisations and regional aged care facilities. We will have to change the way we work but we will be here for you. Please see below for information about changes to our programs and activities.

Over the coming weeks and months we will attempt to respond to the changing environment and provide you with information, updates, newsletters and where possible education and podcasts to assist you in your work. We will be in contact over the coming weeks and would welcome any suggestions of resources that would be helpful.

Please look after yourselves and remember we are available to provide assistance, if and when required.

Warm regards,
Tanja Bahro
Manager, SMRPCC

Annual Clinical Forum

The 2020 Forum which was scheduled for 23 April is postponed. We will advise the new date once this health emergency is over.

Aged care activities

Due to the pandemic visiting restrictions placed on the aged care sector, Jane Newbound, Aged Care Project Worker is no longer be able to provide onsite education and support but is still available by phone on 0433418010 or via email.

We recognise what a difficult time this is for the sector and will be looking at ways we can help you in the invaluable care you are providing.

At this time, the need for excellent palliative care will be required more than ever. This is a dynamic and volatile time for our community and we need to be the best we can. The effort and commitment from the aged care facility staff and residents/ representatives needs to be as supportive as possible to enable the best outcomes for all concerned.

Program of Experience in Motor Neurone Disease (PEM)

This program has been suspended until further notice.

MND education & support

Face-to-face education sessions will not be delivered until further notice. Education and information regarding MND can be accessed via

Our podcast series on various aspects of Motor Neurone Disease and its presentation and management.
Telephone or email consultations with Robyn Reid, MND Shared Care Worker.
- Robyn is available on available on Wednesdays and Thursdays for consultation, resources and support. Phone 0428264446 or via email.

MNDV who is conducting visits remotely. Their equipment service continues to run; and third-party providers are still delivering and are complying with strict hygiene and cleaning regimes and precautions before equipment is being reissued. They continue to provide support to those with MND, their families and carers.

Click here for latest COVID-19 updates from DHHS

The SMRPCC

Who we are & how you can contact us:

Name Role Phone Email
Tanja Bahro.............Consortium Manager............ 0418 584 106 ............tanja.bahro@smrpcc.org.au
Tess Storr................Administration Officer.............0428 485 136 .......... .tess.storr@smrpcc.org.au
Robyn Reid ............ MND Shared Care Worker....0428 264 446............ robyn.reid@smrpcc.org.au
Stephenie Cook ......Training Coordinator ............0417 859 297............ stephenie.cook@smrpcc.org.au
Jane Newbound.......Aged Care Project Officer.....0433 418 010............j ane.newbound@smrpcc.org.au

Our members include:

Ex Officio Members include:

Cabrini Palliative Care Services
Bolton Clarke
Southern Metropolitan Integrated Cancer Service (SMICS)
South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN)

For general inquiries to the SMRPCC please email tess.storr@smrpcc.org.au

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