Department of Health

‘Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients [adults and children] and their families who are facing problems associated with life-threatening illness. It prevents and relieves suffering through early identification, correct assessment and treatment of pain and other problems - whether physical, psychosocial or spiritual.' (World Health Organization)

Specialist palliative care services can support people with a life-threatening illness through:

  • direct care for people requiring specialist palliative care interventions
  • shared care arrangements with other healthcare providers
  • consultation and advice to other services and healthcare teams providing end-of-life care
  • education and training on palliative care and end of life issues
  • undertaking and disseminating research about caring for the dying and their families/carers.

Reviewed 26 March 2024

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Palliative Care Program

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