SWAN Hill District Health is hoping to convince local people to take the step of having a tough conversation about their future medical care.
As part of National Advance Care Planning Week, SHDH has a range of information on the topic available to anyone as soon as they walk through the door.
The visual display contains pamphlets about how local residents can have their preferences followed and respected.
Advance care planning co-ordinator Merridee Taverna said it was important to start the conversation early.
“We want to help people prepare for a time when they may be too sick to speak for themselves,” Ms Taverna said.
“None of us wants a scenario where our families and doctors are left to make tough decisions.
“Advance care planning can give everyone a voice so your health care remains your choice, regardless of what the future brings.”
A telephone survey by Queensland University of Technology found that only 15 per cent of Australians had documented their advance care preferences.
Advance Care Planning is funded by the Australian Government and is the national authority on the issue.
