Palliative care

Palliative care focuses on comfort, dignity and support for people with advanced illness – helping them live as well as possible, for as long as possible. It also provides important support for their loved ones.

The goal of palliative care is to enhance a person's quality of life by managing symptoms and addressing their physical, emotional, spiritual and practical needs. Palliative care can also help a person feel more in control by supporting informed decisions about their treatment and ongoing care.

We take a multidisciplinary approach to care, with doctors, nurses and allied health professionals working together to tailor support that’s right for patients and the people who are close to them. This may include regular appointments to review and adjust a patient's care plan as their needs change.

How palliative care can support patients and their loved ones

The palliative care team can:

• Reduce hospital time through home visits or phone support.
• Help coordinate access to community or palliative care nurses.
• Recommend practical changes at home to help patients stay independent.
• Support patients and their loved ones in planning for future care needs.
• Offer emotional support and guidance during a difficult time.

Palliative care is about more than managing symptoms – it’s about empowering people to live life on their terms, with the right support around them.