NSW Premier pays tribute to Catholic Health sector on World Day of the Sick

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has sent a warm video message thanking Catholic health workers for their contribution to society to mark World Day of the Sick.

Mr Perrottet said the day provides us a chance to ask “are we taking proper care of those who are ill, vulnerable, and suffering?

“The question is relevant to everyone, regardless of their faith or beliefs,” he said.

“Everyone will experience sickness in their lives. Everyone will love someone who is sick. It’s a question we need to ask as a society.”

Mr Perrottet said the NSW government will always “strive to continuously improve our care,” adding: “It’s important as a community to be kind and compassionate, to seek ways to support each other. We commit ourselves to this vision today.”

The Premier finished his minute-long message by thanking health care staff for their work.

“I pay tribute to all the staff at Catholic Health Australia whose vocation involves helping others. I wish you all the very best in your work. We are truly grateful for it. Thank you,” he said.

The Catholic Church’s World Day of the Sick is held on February 11, the Feast of our Lady of Lourdes, and is an opportunity for all of us to devote special attention to the sick and to those who provide them with assistance and care both in healthcare institutions and within families and communities.

Catholic Health Australia CEO Pat Garcia thanked the Premier for his kind words.

“We are grateful to the Premier for his warm message of support for the sector’s hard-working and dedicated staff,” he said.

“As an organisation we will continue to advocate on behalf of our ministry of healing for an equitable, compassionate, health and aged care system that is person-centred in its delivery of care.

“This World Day of the Sick I ask the community to take time to reflect and remember the valuable work that our ministries continue to do in caring for the sick, frail and the dying.”

Transcript of the premier’s message

I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone at Catholic Health Australia observing World Day of the Sick.

There’s a day set aside by Catholics to ask ourselves a question.

Are we taking proper care of those who are ill, vulnerable and suffering?

The question is relevant to everyone, regardless of their faith or beliefs.

Everyone will experience sickness in their lives.

Everyone will love someone who is sick.

It’s also a question we need to ask as a society.

Here in New South Wales, my government has worked hard to deliver one of the best health care services in the world.

But we will always strive to continuously improve our care.

And it’s important as a community to be kind and compassionate, to seek ways to support each other. We commit ourselves to this vision today.

I pay tribute to all the staff at Catholic Health Australia whose vocation involves helping others. I wish you all the very best in your work. We are truly grateful for it. Thank you