Palliative Care
Palliative care helps people live as fully and comfortably as possible when dealing with a life-limiting or terminal illness. It focuses on improving the quality of life for both the patient and their family.
Who we care for
We provide specialised care for people with a life limiting condition, to live as well as they can. We support people across the Grampians region with active, progressive, and advanced diseases, where there is little or no chance of a cure.
What you can expect
Our palliative care team supports your physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs during this time. Palliative care allows patients and families to keep their normal routine as much as possible.
Because palliative care is very individualised, the services offered will differ but may include:
- relief of pain and other symptoms (e.g. vomiting, shortness of breath)
- equipment for home care
- help for families to discuss sensitive issues
- planning for future medical decisions
- links to other services (e.g. home help, financial support)
- support for cultural needs
- emotional, social, and spiritual support
- counselling and grief support
- referrals to respite care services
End-of-life care
End-of-life care is a specific phase within the palliative care journey, when a patient is nearing death. During this time, the needs of both the patient and their carer’s are increased and enhanced services and support ensure quality, coordinated care.
When the patient is close to death, care extends to bereavement support for the family and loved ones.
Care options
We provide both in-hospital palliative care as well as community and home-based palliative care.
Gandarra Ward (Ballarat)
Gandarra is an 11-bed hospital ward that supports patients suffering a terminal illness and their families. It is located in Ballarat.
What to expect?
Pastoral care, volunteer support and allied health professionals assist patients and their families in managing their medical and emotional needs.
This specialist environment allows patients and families to maintain as much as possible their normal routine.
An information video about this service is available on request.
Prior to admission a visit to Gandarra can be made by appointment so that patients and families can familiarise themselves with the staff and facilities.
Access and referrals
- Referrals for in-hospital care can be made by a GP, specialist, or community palliative care program, via phone or fax.
- Phone: 03 5320 6453
- Fax completed Palliative Care referral forms to 03 5320 6493
- Patients, families or carers can refer by calling:
- Palliative Care team: 03 5320 6453
- Gandarra ward: 03 5320 3895
Grampians Regional Palliative Care Team
Grampians Health provides specialist medical and advanced nursing support to individuals and families throughout the Grampians region.
Our team works closely with local palliative care providers, GPs, and other healthcare professionals to strengthen the delivery of compassionate, person-centred care.
We provide support across a variety of settings including hospitals, people’s homes, outpatient clinics, and regional health services ensuring care is accessible, coordinated, and responsive to each person’s unique needs.
Alongside in-person and Telehealth consultations, our team delivers education, contributes to palliative care research, and serves as a trusted resource for multidisciplinary teams across the region.
Access and referrals
Healthcare providers can fax the Grampians Regional Palliative Care Team referral form to Central Intake, OR call 03 5320 6453.
GPs can fax the Grampians Regional Palliative Care Team referral form or a detailed referral letter with their provider number to the Palliative Care Outpatient Clinic at 03 5320 3080.
Contact
Phone: 03 5320 6453
Fax: 03 5320 6493
Email: grpctadmin@gh.org.au
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00am - 4.30pm (excluding public holidays)
Wimmera Palliative Care Service
Wimmera Palliative Care Service is a community service providing support to patients at home across the Wimmera region, covering the local governments of Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh, West Wimmera and the Rural City of Horsham and district.
Our team supports patients at home, in aged care facilities and while in hospital. The Wimmera Palliative Care team works with the patient's local doctors, nurses and allied health care team to provide care.
Access and Referrals
Referrals can be made by health professionals and through self referrals.
Contact
Wimmera Cancer Centre, incorporating Palliative Care and Dialysis
Cnr Robinson Street and Arnott Street, Horsham VIC 3400
Phone: 03 5381 9363 (Horsham)
Email: Hospice.Care-Horsham@gh.org.au
Contact details
Grampians Regional Palliative Care Team
Monday to Friday 8.00am - 4.30pm (excluding public holidays)