Palliative Care Unit

Palliative Care seeks to address the special needs of a person with a life-threatening illness.

Palliative Care does not focus on cure, but rather on comfort. The goal is to help patients by controlling their physical symptoms and by providing support to them and their families.

Palliative Care is patient and family centred.

 The patient is involved in decision-making about their treatment and goals of care. Palliative Care aims to support not only the patient, but also family and friends as they prepare for the death of someone they love.
 
There are 24 beds in the Palliative Care Unit. Our Unit provides a homely and comfortable environment. Within these restful surroundings we are also able to provide a high quality, multidisciplinary level of medical, nursing and allied health care. We have a highly motivated and dedicated team of specialised staff, including palliative care nurses, a palliative care consultant and registrar, pastoral care worker, social worker, music therapist and a volunteer team. We also have allied health support and bereavement support services. We aim to provide holistic care, addressing physical symptoms, together with emotional, spiritual and social needs. The goal is to help patients and their families achieve the best quality of life.

Broadmeadows Health Service (BHS) has both an in-patient service and a weekly outpatient clinic. The outpatient clinic is operated in partnership with Melbourne Citymission Palliative Care. The ward has a pleasant outlook over the Broadmeadows nature reserve. Patients are accommodated in single or two-bed rooms with an ensuite. Facilities for visitors to make tea and coffee are available in our dining and lounge room areas. Visiting hours are 8.00 am to 8.00 pm. Arrangements can be made for visitors outside these hours. Please feel free to call our staff if you would like a tour of our facility.

The Palliative Care Unit is open to all adult palliative care patients, regardless of diagnosis or age. Admissions will be accepted for patients with a progressive terminal illness and a life expectancy of less than 3 months for:

• Symptom Management
• Terminal Care
• Respite Care

All of the palliative care services at BHS are covered by Medicare or by private insurance. All patients must have a doctor's referral to access the in-patient and outpatient service. All admission enquiries and referrals should be directed to the Palliative Care Unit on telephone number (03) 8345 5235.