"If we don't get more staff, we will lose the service by default."
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This is the fear two families have after hearing one of the "earth angel" palliative care nurses had made the decision to resign.
Tayla Zandona lost her brother Kyle three years ago at the age of 25. She and her mother Elsa say the support of the palliative care nurses made all the difference in the last moments of his life.
"Respect, care, compassion, empathy. It has been a privilege and an honour working with them. They are not just nurses - they are earth's angels," Elsa said.
We can have all the money and resources in the world - but without nurses it means nothing.
- Tania Cavanagh
"Having Kyle at home gave family, friends, everyone the chance to make those last moments matter. Those nurses gave us the chance to make as many memories as we could through their support," Tayla said.
She is hoping to be the "voice for the young" because many people her age would not have had the experience or understanding of what the service provides.
For Tania Cavanagh, her father was 87, dying of cancer. Having seen another family member die in a hospital was just one moment where she realised she didn't want that for her father Mario Vardenega - they chose dignity.
"My dad could've gone to an aged care home, which neither we nor he wanted, but he did have that option. Kyle was young - he couldn't have gone to a home," Tania said.
She is willing to "go as far as is required" to make sure the service stays in Griffith.
"It is much easier to improve a service already in operation rather than bring one back when it's gone," Tania said. One palliative care nurse is now employed in the area, down from three.
When approached by The Area News, Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) said the positions are being advertised.
Integrated Care and Partnerships acting director Emma Field says the positions will be temporarily supported by current community nursing staff until an appointment is made.
Ms Fields said the Community Care Nursing service will work with the Palliative Care team to ensure all clients requiring Palliative Care in the Community are seen and care provided in a timely and appropriate manner.
"The two teams will work alongside one another to ensure service delivery is maintained and clients can continue to receive care in their homes," Ms Field said.
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"In addition to replacing the position, MLHD is enhancing the palliative care service by increasing hours of the role to support families in the Griffith and surrounding area."
She says recruitment efforts continue to fill this role and the one based in Leeton "as soon as possible."
Yet Tania said this kind of "government response" isn't good enough.
"There has been a palliative care nurse position open since before dad passed, and that was in October last year - their recruitment process clearly needs to change," Tania said.
"We can have all the money and resources in the world - but without nurses it means nothing."
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