Community co-ordinated care services are offered for people with a life limiting illness and support for their family at home. Care and support is offered including pain relief and management of other symptoms, and aims to be flexible and sensitive to the wishes and needs of patients and also their families.

Palliative Care Community Nursing Services

Patients referred to the nursing service receive a comprehensive assessment to identify their care needs. The community nurse & palliative care nurse specialist provide care planning & coordination, with ongoing regular reviews. Education and support of the patient and/or their carer is also provided

The patient’s physical equipment needs are assessed and appropriate referrals or arrangements coordinated. Referrals to other service providers are made based on the assessment and patient’s needs.

The community nurse and palliative care nurse specialist liaise with the patient’s treating specialists, general practitioners (GPs) and inpatient facilities to optimise symptom management.

Who can refer?

• GPs
• Friends/families
• Agencies
• Self

How to refer?

Phone the Centralised Referral Service :

Phone: 1800 600 681

Fax: 9881 7789

If you would like to speak to someone regarding available services or referrals phone your local community health centre and ask for the Palliative Care Nurse Specialist or Clinical Nursing Unit Manager.