TPCH introduces new integrated clinic for people with advanced lung disease

Sheenal Raj Respiratory Clinical Nurse, Rekha Hakim Respiratory Clinical Nurse Consultant, Vicki Poulier Palliative Care Pharmacist and Elise Power Palliative Care NP

People living with chronic or advanced lung disease now have access to a new clinic at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH), where respiratory and palliative care specialists are working together to provide more connected and compassionate care.

The Integrated Respiratory and Palliative Care Clinic, which began in May, offers a long-term, holistic model of care that supports patients through every stage of their condition. Patients are guided in managing symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, coughing and emotional distress, with the goal of helping them stay well at home and reduce hospital visits.

For patients experiencing disease progression, frequent hospital admissions or a decline in physical function, the clinic is a single point of access to both respiratory and palliative care teams. Operating alongside existing respiratory services, the multidisciplinary team provides tailored treatment plans, education, symptom relief and emotional support.

The clinic aims to improve quality of life and creates space for important conversations about future care needs, goals and planning.

Staff Specialist Palliative Medicine, Dr Stephen Dick said the clinic is about strengthening support for patients and their families.

“Patients can attend an appointment with palliative care and continue to receive support and advice from the respiratory team at the same time,” Stephen said.

“The collaborative team model ensures continuity of care and a shared best practice approach, to help our patients get the most out of coming to hospital for an outpatient appointment.”