| CONTACTS | TELEPHONE |
|---|---|
| Director of Palliative Care Dr Maria Coperchini | 8345 6666 |
| Consultant : Dr Adrian Dabscheck | 8345 6666 |
| Clinical Nurse Consultant Team Leader : Anita Haines | 8345 7068 |
| Clinical Nurse Consultant : Cheryl Wallis/Loretta Williams |
8345 6981 (Footscray) |
| Clinical Nurse Consultant : Fiona Grimaldi | 8345 0440 (Sunshine) |
| GEM/Palliative Care Ward: | 8345 1792 |
| Mercy and Western Day Hospice | 8345 1226 |
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care recognises the needs of people living with a life limiting illness, where cure may no longer be possible. The primary focus of care is to provide relief of pain and other distressing symptoms and thereby enhancing quality of life.
Our Service
For hospital inpatients, the Consultancy Service provides Palliative Care expertise and advice to patients, carers and health professionals across all campuses. The team liaises closely with community agencies to ensure smooth transition of care into the home or into residential care. This collaboration with community has been strengthened by the expansion of outpatient services whereby a palliative care physician can review patients closer to their home.
For adult patients, who require ongoing palliative care in the inpatient setting, there are 12 beds located at the Sunshine Hospital on the combined GEM/Palliative Care ward. The focus of care is symptom management and support to patients and their families. The unit tries to create a relaxed, home like environment. Patients are accommodated in single or 2 bed rooms with an ensuite and each bed has a television and telephone. There are also a couple of lounge areas, one with a plasma screen television, as well as a small kitchen and a dining area. There is a private garden which provides an alternative area for patients to spend time with their families or for families to spend time on their own. Vising hours are open to meet patients' needs and overnight stays can be arranged as required.
The Mercy and Western Day Hospice is located adjacent to the inpatient beds at Sunshine Hospital and is a collaborative service with Mercy Western Palliative Care. The Day Hospice operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays, providing day care support and respite for patients from the Western region. It is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team and offers a host of activities including music therapy, craft and massage.
LINKS
Palliative Care Victoria: www.pallcarevic.asn.au
Mercy Palliative Care: www.mercy.com.au Go to: Hospital Clinical And Mental Health Services/Palliative Care/Palliative Care
Melbourne Citymission: www.melbournecitymission.org.au/What-We-Do/Our-Programs-Services/Palliative-Care