Palliative Care Service
The Palliative Care Service aims to improve 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 the patient and their family’s psychological, spiritual, social and cultural needs are met. We also aim to support and guide other health professionals already involved in the patient’s care including the primary care network and other specialty teams.
Our services
Our dedicated Palliative Care team of medical, nursing and allied health staff work closely with your healthcare team to provide you the best individualised care. Our aim is to make sure your goals of care are understood and respected. We offer:
- specialist consultation/liaison service
- an outpatient clinic
- inpatient pain and symptom assessment, management and advice
- inpatient psychosocial and spiritual support and appropriate referral
- inpatient end of life care when other locations are not possible (e.g. at home)
- 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 programs for other health professionals.
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.
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 The Prince Charles 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.
Refer a patient
To refer a patient:
Palliative Care referral guideline
GP and Specialist Hotline:
1300 364 938
What to bring
- Your Medicare card
- Private health insurance card (if you have one)
- Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Current medications (prescription, over the counter and herbal medicine)
- Relevant x-rays, scans or any other test results or reports
- Glasses, hearing aids and mobility aids
- your sleep equipment – machine and accessories (CPAP or bilevel)
- Your appointment letter
- Any special items listed on your letter
- WorkCover claim number (if relevant)
- Snacks, a drink or money to buy refreshments
- Something to read or do while you wait
Clinics
Contact us
Palliative Care Unit
Location: Building 6, The Prince Charles Hospital
Phone: (07) 3139 4601
Open: 10.00am-1.30pm and 3.30pm-8.00pm
Palliative Care Outpatient Clinic
Location: Specialist Outpatient Department (Monday & Tuesday),
Administration Building (Thursday)
Phone: (07) 3139 4661
Need help outside hours?
For non-urgent medical issues call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or visit your GP.
In an emergency call 000.
Refer a patient
To refer a patient to this service, view the Palliative Care referral guideline.
GP and Specialist Referral Hotline:
1300 364 938
Resources
Care Search – information on palliative care
PalAssist – a free 24 hour telephone and online service for palliative care patients, carers, family and friends