PALLIATIVE CARE

What is Palliative Care?

The main aim of palliative care is to provide comfort and support services for patients with life-limiting illness, and their families.

At Canossa Private Hospital we believe that palliative care affirms life and regards dying as a normal process. It neither hastens death nor prolongs suffering. Patients who may benefit from an admission to the Palliative Care Unit include:

• Patients with a medically diagnosed life-limiting illness
• Management of symptoms including pain, nausea and problems with appetite and/or breathing
• Review and advice about appropriate medications
• Management of end of life issues
• Advice about equipment and community services
• Psychological, emotional and spiritual support

The focus for all care decisions is centered on the patient and family, and what they may be experiencing. Patient care is carefully planned, monitored and reviewed to meet each patient’s specific care needs.

The Specialist Palliative Care Team

The palliative care team adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to care by utilising a range of skills and clinical backgrounds. The team includes:

• Specialist palliative care doctors
• General Practitioners with a special interest and training in palliative care
• Senior nursing staff qualified in palliative care
• Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Speech Pathologists, Dietitians and other Allied Health professionals
• Bereavement support and pastoral care staff
• Specially trained volunteers

Admissions to the Hospital

Canossa Private Hospital has both private (patients may be funded by a health fund or can choose to self-fund) and public palliative care beds (funded by Metro South Health Service District) ensuring that our entire community has access to quality palliative care.

Patients are admitted to our Palliative Care Unit for end of life care and symptom management. For those patients who wish to return home when symptoms have been controlled, discharge planning is organised by staff in collaboration with patients, family and community services.

Accommodation

The Palliative Care Unit is situated on the 3rd floor of Magdalen House.

Patients are cared for in beautifully appointed private rooms. The rooms boast magnificent views to the city and surrounding mountains. Overnight stays can be arranged for a relative if requested.

There is ample free parking for visitors and visiting hours are unrestricted.

What to Bring when Admitted to the Hospital

• Any doctors’ letters, reports, notes, consent forms
• All relevant X-rays and scans
• An up-to-date list of current medications from your doctor or pharmacist
• All medication currently being taken and all repeats and authority scripts
• Enduring Power of Attorney (if relevant)
• Advance Health Directive (if relevant)
• Health Care and Pharmaceutical Safety Net card
• Health fund card, DVA card for veterans
• Medicare card and pensioner concession card
• Comfortable night wear, dressing gown, slippers
• Toiletries
• Physical aids

Patients are asked not to bring large sums of money or jewellery. Canossa Private Hospital does not accept responsibility for patients’ valuables or property.

REFERRALS FOR INPATIENT PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE OR SELF-FUNDING PATIENTS:

ROS SCHLUTER
Admissions Co-Ordinator

Mob: 0417 784 916
Ph:   07 3717 5577
Fax: 07 3217 0789
Email: roslyn.schluter@ozcare.org.au

DR SIMON MURRAY

169 Seventeen Mile Rocks Road
OXLEY 4075
Ph:   07 3717 5590
Fax: 07 3217 0730

DR JOHN CHAPMAN

169 Seventeen Mile Rocks Road
OXLEY 4075
Ph:   07 3717 5590
Fax: 07 3217 0730

REFERRALS FOR METRO SOUTH HEALTH SERVICE DISTRICT PATIENTS:

All referrals to Metro South Health Service District must be made by a GP or specialist doctor. Referrals can be made for outpatient appointments, community visits and in patient services. Patients must reside in the Metro South Health Service District to be eligible for these services.

Contact Details:

Ph:   07 3169 9869
Fax: 07 3169 9865