Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health

Description

The Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program was established to provide a consultation-liaisonteam for children with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness.

The Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program team works closely with nurses from The Royal Children’s HospitalExternal Link , Very Special KidsExternal Link and Monash HealthExternal Link to coordinate patient care betweenhospital and community carers, and to provide patient management advice.

The aim of the program is to ensure children and adolescents with life-limiting conditions and theirfamilies receive the best possible palliative care by providing information, advice and support tofamilies and the health professionals caring for them.

Services provided

  • Care coordination
  • Communication assistance between specialist hospital care and community care providers
  • Advice regarding patient management
  • Educational activities for staff from hospital and community agencies

Eligibility

Available to any child with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness.

How to access

Call (03) 9345 5374.

The National Relay Service (NRS)External Link is available to help callers who are d/Deaf, or find it hard to hear or speak to hearing people on the phone.

The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)External Link is available (24 hours, 7 days) for callers who speak other languages. Call 131 450.

Visit The Royal Children's Hospital - Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care ProgramExternal Link

Costs

The Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program is a free service.

Tip

The program is not restricted to children with cancer but is available to the family of any child with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness.

Important

The team does not provide direct patient care. Team members facilitate communication between specialist hospital-based care and community care providers, allowing more children to be cared for at home by palliative care agencies and other services.