Closing the gap between how people would like to die and the reality was one of the major issues discussed at the Warrnambool public hearing.

Four members of the Legal and Social Issues panel of state MPs – chairman Edward O’Donohue, Daniel Mulino, Nina Springle and Fiona Patten – heard from a number of organisations including South West Healthcare, Warrnambool and District Community Hospice and Deakin University.

South West Healthcare nurse consultant co-ordinator Andrea Janes told the panel that while the terminally ill in Warrnambool who wanted to die in their own home had access to round-the-clock care, the journey was more difficult for those in more remote areas.

“The inequity of the service is what we’re able to provide to our rural and remote areas in terms of 24-hour back-up care,” she said.

“There is quite a gap there.”

South West Healthcare’s community team covers more than 400 kilometres, however, five kilometres beyond Warrnambool, phone assistance is the only 24-hour help available.

Ms Janes said respite care was also a concern.

“In terms of in-home respite it’s very difficult to facilitate in Warrnambool and the wider region in the community,” she said.

South West Healthcare data shows that out of palliative care patients who would prefer to die at home, 63 per cent of those would have access to 24-hour care.

“The other 37 per cent who wanted to die at home would be doing so with only phone support,” Ms Janes said.

“They would be reliant on carers and families.”

Mr O’Donohue said the public hearing was part of a broader regional tour. 

“The committee will be carefully examining all the issues around end of life care including palliative care, the practices of physicians assisting at this stage, practices in other jurisdictions and the current framework of legislation,” he said. 

“Over the coming months we will be talking to medical and legal experts, and a broad range of groups and individuals for whom this is a crucial issue.”