Palliative care

Palliative care is about wholistic medical treatment, concerned with both symptom relief and managing the social and personal challenges of terminal illnesses. Palliative care services might be offered by a team of specialists, including a GP, medical specialists, and nurses. Assistance is available for the family and carers too.

Palliative care is specialised health care for people living with a terminal illness. It is not the service of ‘last resort’ rather it can be introduced from early diagnosis to support families and individuals and includes expertise in pain and symptom management. Palliative care also offers practical support for the individuals and their families when it’s needed most.
 
- Kevin Larkins, Palliative Care Victoria   

Palliative care contacts and information

Palliative Care Australia is the national peak organisation for the state-based palliative care groups (below) and other interested parties.

NSW - Palliative Care Association of New South Wales

Qld - Palliative Care Queensland

Vic - Palliative Care Victoria, and Banksia Palliative Care Service Inc in the north east suburbs of Melbourne.

WA - Palliative Care Western Australia Inc

SA -  Palliative Care Council of South Australia Inc

Tasmania - Hospice Care Association of Southern Tasmania Inc

Australian Capital Territory - ACT Palliative Care Society Inc

Northern Territory - Palliative Care Northern Territory Inc