The Waikato District Health Board says a project focussing on the development of a strategic vision and plan for palliative care in the region has launched this month.

The purpose of the project is to provide a clear vision to guide service development for the next three years, while also providing a ‘charter' for palliative care within the Waikato.

The project was launched was launched on August 5 and is expected to be completed by mid-2016.

Waikato DHB chief executive Nigel Murray and project sponsor says it will cover paediatric, adolescent, and adult palliative care, and align with national strategies in both palliative and end of life care.

'This is a central piece of work to provide a coordinating framework for services provided to people at a difficult time in their lives.

'It is important that we seek to provide quality and equitable care for all.”

The project board includes representatives from community health providers, plus hospitals and advanced care facilities, NGOs, Maori, and consumers. This board will also work with two independent peer reviewers.

Waikato District Health Board chief executive Dr Nigel Murray. Photo: File