Palliative Care
Palliative Care is the support of those who are
suffering from an incurable illness.
Our aim is to provide physical, emotional, social and spiritual
support to enhance the quality of a person's life. Support is also
extended to the patient's family and friends. Many aspects of
Palliative Care, in conjunction with other treatments, are helpful
early in the course of an illness. This service provides an
additional level of support and care during your hospitalisation.
Your care can be a shared agreement between you and your doctor of
choice.
Palliative Care Nurse
A Palliative Care Nurse will maintain regular contact with you
and is available to advise you and your family on anything you
need to know. This might include:
- Questions about your care
- Information about managing your symptoms
- Your care following discharge
- Managing at home.
Counselling
You or your family may have difficulty coping with your
diagnosis and its implications. A referral to a counsellor may be
recommended to provide additional support for your ongoing
care.
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists will assist you to maintain as much
independence as possible, personalise an exercise program and
complement any existing treatment to maintain your comfort.
Occupational Therapist
An Occupational Therapist will assist you to remain as
independent as possible in your daily activities. This may involve
special equipment, minor home modifications, techniques and
training or practises which complement your existing treatment such
as relaxation, meditation or massage.
Pastoral Care
Members of the Pastoral Care team
are available at any time, and offer an attentive and caring
presence for you and your family. The service provides confidential
personal counsel and spiritual and religious ministry.
Other services
Our Palliative Care Service is based within the hospital
so there is easy access to all other hospital services. These
include:
- Pathology
- Radiology
- Dietitian
- Wound and continence advice
- Complementary therapies such as reflexology and massage
Palliative Care Mission Statement
St John of God Hospital Warrnambool embraces
the Values of Hospitality, Respect, Justice, Compassion and
Excellence. The Palliative Care Support Service aims to ensure that
your comfort and health needs receive special attention and that
you and your family are fully supported during your hospital
stay.