At St John of God Murdoch Community Hospice, we provide a range of specialist care services for patients, families and carers facing a life-limiting illness.
Our compassionate, multidisciplinary team is dedicated to delivering personalised care that supports comfort, dignity and quality of life.
Accommodation and symptom relief
Our comfortable, purpose-built hospice provides inpatient accommodation in ensuite single rooms. Patients with a life-limiting condition may be admitted to a hospice for:
- relief of symptoms such as pain, nausea or breathlessness
- end-of-life care.
Your length of stay will depend on your clinical needs. Many patients return to home-based care within a short time frame. We foster this by maintaining strong links with community palliative care services, allowing for a smooth transition from hospice to home.
What you can expect at the hospice
- Comfortable well-equipped private rooms with ensuite accommodation.
- Indoor communal spaces and garden access.
- A dedicated family area with fully-equipped kitchen, relaxing lounge and children's play area.
- Barbecue facilities.
- Multi-faith chapel.
- Open access to families 24 hours a day.
You may be referred to our hospice by your GP, specialist doctor or another palliative care service.
Palliative care services at Murdoch Hospice
Our palliative care services support the physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of living with a life-limiting or terminal illness, including providing information, goal setting, and coordinating care.
Palliative care acknowledges dying as a natural part of life and includes good end-of-life care. For some patients palliative care interventions have been shown to prolong life too.
We have an interdisciplinary approach, which involves a various health and social care professionals to help improve your quality of life.
Patients and their loved ones are encouraged to be fully involved in the decision-making process when putting in place a palliative care plan.
Your nurse can arrange referrals to other members of the palliative care service.
Palliative caregivers
Caregivers involved in your care at Murdoch Hospice may include:
- A palliative care specialist who will explain the benefits of different medications and treatment options available for the control of pain, nausea and other symptoms.
- Nurses who will be in regular contact with you and your family, to answer questions about your care, and advise you on how to manage your symptoms and your care when you return home.
- Medical experts who can provide advice and prescriptions for appropriate medications to manage pain and other symptoms.
- A counsellor to provide formal emotional support and help you develop coping strategies.
- A social worker to provide emotional support and information about community resources and other practical matters.
- Pastoral care practitioners who provide confidential personal support, spiritual and religious ministry for those who want it.
Additional support services
Palliative care clinic
We have several palliative care clinics throughout the week run by our palliative care physicians. The clinic is located within the hospice, close to Footprints Day Centre.
Patients may be seen at the clinic for various reasons including, but not limited to:
- pain and symptom management
- discussion about treatment options
- advance care planning
- planning for future care
- discussion about options for increased support within the community.
All clinic patients require a referral from their GP or specialist.
Appointments can be arranged by phone: 08 9438 9503.
Footprints Day Centre
Footprints Day Centre provides emotional support to patients and their families.
Included in this service is a range of complementary therapies:
- massage
- reiki
- reflexology
- aromatherapy
- meditation
- beauty therapy and hair dressing
- wellness, support groups and craft workshops.
This service is available to inpatients, outpatients and their families. You do not need a doctor's referral.
Interdisciplinary teams provide a wide range of services including social work support and physiotherapy.
For more information phone: 08 9438 9510.
Bereavement support
We offer support to relatives, carers and friends of patients who have died whilst in our care. Pastoral care practitioners, psychologists and counsellors are available to assist with individual and family bereavement.
There is no cost for this service.
For more information phone: 08 9438 9500.
Costs and payment information
St John of God Health Care private hospitals provide benefits that include reduced wait times for surgery, your choice of specialist, and access to high-quality, compassionate care.
We provide a range of ways to pay for your treatment.