About Us
Palliative care encompasses the physical and psychological aspects of end of life care. The focus of the care is on achieving comfort and maximizing quality of life for the patient, family and loved ones. Palliative care is appropriate for any patient at any stage of a life limiting illness, regardless of age.
It involves:
- Pain and other symptom management;
- Social, psychological, cultural, emotional and spiritual support;
- Caregiver and family support; and
- Bereavement support.
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Palliative Care service is a specialist palliative care service providing palliative care to patients across all health care settings in Tasmania.
Palliative Care services across the state include:
- Community-based multidisciplinary teams in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie, which provide an outreach service to rural areas;
- An in-patient unit in Hobart, the J.W. Whittle Palliative Care Unit;
- Dedicated public palliative care inpatient beds at Calvary Health Care’s Melwood Unit, St Luke’s Campus, Launceston; and
- Consultancy services within the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital and North West Regional Hospital campuses.
Palliative Care services operate across Tasmania. Click on this link for information about your closest palliative care team / volunteer service.
Our specialty
Our specialty is in the relief of the symptoms of illness, such as pain, nausea, breathlessness, and in supporting patients and their carers through their illness, dying, and bereavement. Care is offered directly to patients and their carers in need. We also provide support to health professionals through the provision of education, consultancy and information.
Our approach
We use a team approach to address the needs of patients and their carers, and work with health professionals across all health settings bringing knowledge, skills and expertise to enhance the care they provide. The palliative care teams include palliative care medical specialists, specialist nurses, specialist social workers, pastoral care and volunteers.
We provide
- Interdisciplinary assessment;
- Specialist medical, nursing and social work consultation, liaison, direct and indirect care;
- Education for health professionals, patients, carers and consumers;
- Volunteers who provide a range of supportive services to patients;
- Grief and bereavement support; and
- Spiritual support.