We are a cohesive group of expert professionals, focused on delivering high quality care, while helping you and your loved ones address the complex issues that may arise with an incurable illness.

If you, or a loved one, need to be admitted for help with symptoms or other issues that arise in relation to your illness, the palliative care team can be involved in helping with your care.

We can assist in ensuring that your wishes and goals are listened to, are realistic, and that appropriate care follows.

Community team

Along with your GP, and other who are involved in your care, our community team can provide support for you in your own home.

Our community team also visits people who live in residential aged care facilities and other hospitals within the Central Adelaide metropolitan area.

In-hospital care

You, or your loved one, may be suitable for admission to a specialised palliative care inpatient bed. For example, if complex symptoms or other issues need a more intensive focus.

Currently these beds are located in The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH).

How to access our services

A person is eligible for referral to specialist palliative care services if:

• they have a progressive, life-limiting illness - this may include cancer and non-cancer diagnosis
• the focus of care is to control symptoms, maximise function and quality of life while acknowledging the inevitability of death
• the patient has consented to the referral.

Referrals

If you are an outpatient of the RAH or TQEH, then a referral can be made by the medical team already involved in your care.

GPs can also make referrals.

Self-referral is also available, however it is helpful to have healthcare advice. We always advise talking to your medical team at the RAH, TQEH or your GP before self-referring to palliative care.

If you are an inpatient, or about to be an inpatient at the RAH or TQEH, talk to your medical team about palliative care who can get in touch with our team.