This service can be accessed by any person and their carer or family who are living with incurable illness. You can still be receiving treatment for your illness and access palliative care. It is not essential but it is preferred that referral to Palliative Care comes from your treating doctor, or community nurse. However, anyone can make a referral providing the person being referred has given their permission.
Contact Murrumbidgee Local Health District Central Intake on 1800 654 324 to make a referral or contact your local Community Health Centre for general enquiries.
Our Services are here to assist you and your family to live your life as fully and as comfortably as possible when living with a life-limiting or terminal illness. The service is provided by GPs and other staff in hospitals and residential care facilities. There are specialist palliative care staff available for assistance with more complex problems.
We identify and assist you and your family to manage symptoms and problems which may be physical, emotional, spiritual or social. We work with other health professionals to make sure the care you receive is well coordinated.
You can receive palliative care support whether you are at home, in a residential care facility or in hospital.
How can Palliative Care help you?
We assist in managing symptoms and improving your quality of life when you a serious illness that cannot be cured. Palliative care can help you with illnesses such as:
- Cancer;
- Motor neurone disease; and
- End‑stage kidney, heart or lung disease
For some people, palliative care may be beneficial quite soon after diagnosis, even when you are having treatment which is aimed at prolonging your life.
If you have any questions about palliative care you can also contact your local community health centre and ask to speak with the palliative care nurse or visit the Palliative Care Australia website for more information.
There are Specialist Palliative Care Services based in Wagga, Griffith, Deniliquin, Tumut and Corowa. They provide outreach services to all communities and facilities in the Local Health District. You can find out where the palliative care service for your area is based by contacting your local health service.
What does Palliative Care provide?
Because palliative care is based on individual needs, the services offered will differ but may include:
- Relief of pain and other symptoms e.g. vomiting, shortness of breath
- Resources such as equipment needed to aid care at home
- Assistance for families
- Links to other services such as home help and financial support
- Support that is culturally sensitive
- Support for emotional, social and spiritual concerns
- Counselling and grief support
- Referrals to other services
- Help with Advance Care Planning
- Support for decision-making about care options
Palliative care is a family-centred model of care, meaning that family and carers can receive practical and emotional support.
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