Gold Coast Health is recognised for quality patient care, nursing and midwifery excellence and innovations in professional nursing and midwifery practice under the Magnet® Recognition Program.
"Walking together in kindness" artwork produced for Gold Coast Health by Riki Salam, We are 27 Creative.
When people are diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, the challenges they face often extend far beyond their physical symptoms.
Alongside medical care, many patients and families need support navigating difficult conversations, planning for the future and coping with the emotional impact of serious illness.
Helping patients and families through these moments is at the heart of Senior Social Worker Laurelle’s role within Palliative Care at Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service.
"My role is to help patients and families navigate the emotional, social, practical, and psychological challenges that can arise following a serious diagnosis,” Laurelle said.
A social worker for more than 25 years, Laurelle has spent the past five years supporting patients and families across our health service.
Working alongside doctors, nurses and other allied health professionals, Laurelle provides counselling, supports advance care planning, advocates for patients' wishes and helps connect families with community support services.
"Ultimately, my role is about helping people maintain quality of life, dignity, choice and connection at the end of their lives," she said.
No two days are the same. A typical day may involve meeting with patients and families, attending case conferences, providing education about palliative care, or supporting clinicians across regional and rural areas to deliver interventions through the Specialist Palliative Rural Telehealth Service.
What first drew Laurelle to palliative care was its focus on the whole person, rather than just the illness.
"Palliative care takes a holistic approach that considers the person's values, relationships, goals and quality of life," she said.
"I feel fortunate to support individuals and families during some of the most significant moments of their lives. Being able to make a meaningful difference, even during difficult circumstances, is incredibly rewarding."
While palliative care is often associated with the final stages of life, Laurelle said this is one of the biggest misconceptions.
"Palliative care can be introduced much earlier following the diagnosis of a serious illness and focuses on improving quality of life alongside other treatments," she said.
"We help people navigate not just the healthcare system, but also the emotional impact that serious illness can have on individuals and families."
Laurelle is helping challenge misconceptions in the latest season of Queensland Health podcast It Can't Hurt to Ask ... about Death and Dying which explores a range of topics.
“In the podcast we talk a lot about normalising death as a part of life and creating those conversations with the people around you that love you,” she said.
“By openly talking about it and your wishes, it can take the fear and awkwardness out of discussing death.”
For Laurelle, the most meaningful part of her work is building relationships with patients and families, helping them feel supported during times of uncertainty and loss.
"It is gratifying to see families feel more confident navigating challenges, have important conversations they may have been avoiding, and create meaningful moments together,” she said.
At its core, Laurelle believes palliative care social work is about walking alongside people and their families, helping them find strength, connection and meaning while ensuring their voice remains at the centre of their care.
