23/05/2026
Deadly cuz 🖤💛❤️
For Andrew Doyle, end of life care goes beyond clinical needs. It’s also about culture, connection and ensuring every person’s journey is respected.
As a Specialist Palliative Care Services Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advanced health worker, his focus is also on cultural care at end of life including understanding, respect and walking alongside patients and families in a way that honours who they are.
In his role, Andrew is a strong advocate for culturally safe and competent care.
He supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and families, ensures cultural protocols are respected and provides education to staff and stakeholders to strengthen understanding across the health service.
“I’m there to make sure patients and families are heard,” Andrew said.
“So they can continue their end-of-life journey in a way that respects their cultural rights.”
Andrew joined the palliative care team just two months ago after two-and-a-half years as a hospital liaison officer at Mackay Base Hospital.
His days start with handover before connecting with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, supporting families during consultations and developing education resources to build cultural awareness among staff.
At the heart of his work is a deeply personal motivation.
“I’ve had experiences where family members didn’t have their cultural needs met at end of life,” he said.
“That’s what drives me — making sure other families don’t go through that.”
Andrew is currently studying a Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Management, continuing to build his knowledge so he can better support patients, families and colleagues alike.
He describes palliative care as a holistic, team-based approach where “no stone goes unturned”. He is particularly passionate about shifting perceptions.
“Palliative care isn’t about immediate death or prolonging life,” he said.
“It’s about comfort and quality.”
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the perspective on death is also different, Andrew said.
“It’s not the end — it’s the next chapter in the journey. Being able to support patients and families to fulfil their cultural protocols makes a real difference.”
A key part of his role is education — not just within the hospital, but out in the community. Andrew is currently working with nursing homes and other stakeholders to strengthen understanding of cultural practices and improve care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
He believes the willingness to learn is already there.
“Professionally, I’ve seen that staff really do want to educate themselves and do better when it comes to cultural traditions and protocols,” he said.
For those considering a career in palliative care, Andrew’s advice is clear: take the time to listen and learn.
“You need to be relatable, resilient and willing to advocate for what’s right for patients and families. It’s important to be open to learning cultural knowledge,” he said.
What Andrew values most about his role is the opportunity to share that knowledge and to help create a more respectful and supportive experience for patients and their loved ones.
“Being able to provide culturally safe care and support families at such an important time is what matters most.”
Palliative Care Week runs from 10 to 16 May.
