Palliative care

Palliative care at Western Health supports people with life-limiting illness to live as well as possible for as long as possible.

We focus on managing symptoms, maintaining dignity and supporting the emotional, social and spiritual needs of patients, families and carers.

Care is delivered by a compassionate, multidisciplinary team across hospital, home and community settings.

Our palliative care services include:

• Management of pain and other symptoms
• Emotional and psychosocial support
• Advance care planning and end-of-life care
• Family and carer support
• Referrals to spiritual care and counselling
• Coordination with GPs, specialists, and community services
   

We also provide information and advocacy to help patients and families navigate care options and make informed choices.

 

Palliative care is available at:

• Sunshine Hospital
• Footscray Hospital
• Williamstown Hospital
• Bacchus Marsh and Melton
• Hazeldean Transition Care
• In-home and residential aged care settings (via community programs)
   

Care is provided through inpatient beds, specialist consult teams, outpatient clinics and community-based services.

Our community palliative care program in Bacchus Marsh and Melton offers support to patients and carers in their home or residential aged care.

The service includes:

• Regular home visits by nurses or allied health staff
• Phone support and after-hours advice
• Education for carers and families
• Coordination with volunteers and welfare services
• Collaboration with GPs and specialists
   

A palliative care volunteer coordinator and welfare worker also help with emotional and bereavement support, system navigation and access to local resources.

 

Referrals can be made by:

• Hospital staff
• GPs or specialists
• Community services
   

Patients, families, and carers can also speak directly with their treating team about accessing palliative care.