Palliative care unit
The Palliative Care Unit is located on Ward 8 South, Level 8 of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre. Patients are admitted to the twenty-one bed inpatient unit if they have complex pain and symptom management issues or emotional or psychological distress. Where possible, the unit assists patients to return to their home, with the support of community-based palliative care service providers.
The unit is staffed by a specialist team of medical, nursing and allied health staff, with visiting pastoral care and volunteer staff and a program of evidence-based Wellness therapies and programs. The unit can assist with:
- managing complex pain or symptoms,
- discharge planning, and
- end-of-life care.
Referral information
External referrals may be made by medical, nursing or allied health.
- Non-urgent referrals - fax the referral form to (03) 9496 4213
- Urgent referrals - telephone palliative care unit on (03) 9496 2542 and ask to speak to the nurse in charge.
Referral form
Palliative care referral form (DOCX - 89 KB)
Admission criteria
People with a progressive life limiting illness (cancer and non cancer) requiring specialist palliative care services.
Triage
People are triaged based on clinical urgency by the senior medical and nursing staff.
After Hours Service
The palliative care unit provides a 24 hour service.