Advanced Care Directive was the topic at the monthly Orbost Probus Club meeting for February at the Senior Citizens Rooms in Orbost.
The guest speaker was Mary McDonald, community health support officer.
Mary is a local lady, married a farmer, raised three daughters and milked cows for 26 years.
Mary had a desire to be a service to her community and when the time was right she furthered her education with a diploma in counselling for families in crisis, homelessness, violence, bushfire recovery and trauma etc.
Her skills have been required in many places including the royal flying doctors.
Recognising these skills, Mary is now with Orbost Regional Health (ORH), extending their services to the community.
The Orbost Probus Club committee asked Mary to come to one of their meetings to talk about the Advance Care Directive form obtained from your doctor.
This form gives you the opportunity to decide what medical treatment you would like when the time is necessary.
It has to be signed off by a medical physician and it is then recorded on a national data base.
Mary’s valuable advice and issues she raised in this matter gave the members comfort and confidence on this very personal and important matter.
Members thanked Mary for sparing her time to attend probus and speak with them, it was greatly appreciated.
