‘Looking In Looking Out’

PCQ State Conference 2010 - Ipswich

Palliative Care Queensland (PCQ) invites all health professionals to join us in Ipswich Queensland for the PCQ Biennial State Conference 2010 - ‘Looking In Looking Out’. 

The theme, ‘Looking In Looking Out’, reflects the need for all health professionals working within the palliative care or end of life sector to ‘Look In’ to reflect upon their own health care needs, but also to ‘Look Out’ to consider the health and well-being of the palliative care industry. This year, PCQ and Ipswich Hospice Care have collaborated to create both a conference and pre-conference workshop that will provide clinicians working in the palliative care, end of life or aged care sectors with greater insight into their own personal health needs as well as the needs of the community in which we work. The conference and pre-conference workshop will assist clinicians to take further steps to achieve a more satisfying work life balance, whilst supporting the development of a stronger and improved palliative care sector.

‘Looking In’

Only when we take the time to stop and look inside ourselves, can we make a true and honest apprasial of our own health and wellbeing. When we look inside ourselves however, do we see  harmony and balance, or chaos and turmoil?

The industry in which we work is a minefield of politics, personalities and limitations. Many around us are burnt out, many are disatisfied with the limitations of the system or their employer, and many talk of leaving the industry and the work that they love to move into less stressful occupations.

Is it possible to adopt the skills required to cope better with the stress and strains of our working environment?

Do we need to grow, physically, emotionally, socially or spiritually in order to do so?

How can we thrive and enjoy the best of what life has to offer?

‘Looking Out’

The palliative care landscape in Queensland is changing rapidly. Patient loads increase every year, resources become more difficult to locate, and often we are left wondering who is in control of the system. Time and time again, we receive long and detailed reports from academics or burocrats telling us about the findings of an enquiry, and how the outcomes will make our lives so much more bearable, yet they don’t.

What is it that we need to do to make our industry more healthy?

How can we have an impact on the future of the system in which we work, and on the specialty that is so precious to us?

To register for either the conference or pre-conferenc workshop, please download and complete a registration form, and fax to PCQ on (07) 3633 0096.