Palliative Care Service

The Palliative Care Service improves the quality of life for patients with a life-limiting illness. We aim to reduce suffering through early identification, assessment and treatment of physical symptoms including pain. We provide support that ensures a patient and their family’s psychological, spiritual, social and cultural needs are met.

Our services

• inpatient pain and symptom assessment, management and advice
• inpatient end of life care
• outreach outpatient and inpatient consultation services at Caboolture Hospital
• support for advance care planning
• liaison and support to GPs and domiciliary nurses in the community
• referral to local palliative care services including inpatient units and community services
• education.

The dedicated Palliative Care team of medical and nursing staff work closely with your healthcare team to provide you the best individualised care.

When will my appointment be?

Your confirmation letter, email or text message will tell you when your appointment will be.

Please allow at least two hours for your appointment. You may need to allow time for additional tests or treatments before or after your appointment.

We apologise if your appointment is delayed or running late. Our doctors and specialists can sometimes be called away urgently to other hospital departments. This applies if your appointment is in the hospital, by phone, or virtually (telehealth video call).

What do I do when I arrive for my appointment?

If your appointment is at the hospital you will be able to check into your appointment using the self-service Kiosks.

You will need to scan the barcode on your appointment confirmation letter, or swipe your Medicare card if you don’t have your letter with you.

Volunteers or staff will be available to help you check in at the Kiosk if needed.

If your personal details have changed, for example your phone number, address, Medicare card, or GP, you will need to present to the clinics reception counter so that staff can update your details on the hospital system.

What do I do after my appointment?

Please present to the clinic reception counter after your appointment to check out, this includes if it was your last appointment at the hospital.

All patients are required to go to reception prior to leaving as you may be required to sign a Medicare bulk billing form (where applicable). Staff will also need to confirm that your details are accurate on the hospital system. In some instances, staff may be able to book your next appointment with you while you are at the counter.

If you need to wait in line, please remember physical distancing is important.

How do phone and virtual (telehealth video call) appointments work?

If you have a phone appointment your clinician will contact you on the phone number you provided to the hospital. If your phone number has changed please call us to update your details before your appointment.

If you have a virtual (telehealth video call) appointment you will receive additional information from us that will explain how to attend your virtual appointment

How to access this service

To access this service, your GP or medical specialist will need to send a referral letter to the hospital.

Outpatient clinic

We will contact you to arrange a suitable appointment date. If you’re already a patient staying at Redcliffe Hospital, our Palliative Care Consultation Team will see you within 1 working day.

Direct admission to the unit

We will talk to your referring GP to determine whether you need an urgent admission to the unit. If there is a waiting list, we will advise your GP. For patients at home, we will contact you on the day a bed is ready. For patients already in hospital, we will contact your treating team.

Community based palliative care

For people requiring community based support, there are a range of service providers available across Metro North Hospital and Health Service. One option is the Metro North Community Palliative Care Service that can accept referrals from either your GP or other specialists. This community service has after-hours support for patients and their carers.

What to bring

Clinics