The Palliative Care Service improves the quality of life for patients with a life-limiting illness. They aim to reduce suffering through early identification, assessment and treatment of physical symptoms including pain. Providing support that ensures a patient and their family’s psychological, spiritual, social and cultural needs are met. The dedicated Palliative Care team of medical and nursing staff work closely with your healthcare team to provide you the best individualised care.
Services include: 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.
To access this service: your GP or medical specialist will need to send a referral letter to the hospital.
Outpatient clinic: The hospital 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: The hospital 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.
