TranslateSpecialist Palliative Care Service
Our Specialist Palliative Care Service (SPCS) support health professionals providing palliative care.
Our palliative care services
We provide specialist palliative care services across Tasmania, including:
- community-based multi-disciplinary teams in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie
- rural outreach services
- in-patient unit in Hobart (J.W. Whittle Palliative Care Unit)
- public palliative care in-patient beds (Calvary Healthcare Melwood Unit, St Luke's Launceston)
- consultancy services (Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital and North West Regional Hospital and Mersey Community Hospital).
What we do
We help and support:
- you with symptoms of your illness (for example, pain, nausea)
- you and your carers through your illness and dying.
- your carers and family through bereavement (dealing with your death).
- health professionals with education, consultancy and information.
Our approach
- We work as a team to help you, your carers and your family.
- We also work with other health professionals.
- Together we bring the best expertise knowledge, skills and expertise to enhance your care.
Services provided by SPCS
- Palliative care physicians, specialist nurses, a social worker and a pharmacist
- Pastoral care and music therapy
- Expert clinical management advice
- Assessment and care planning
- Clinical leadership
- Education for health professionals
- Advocacy for clients, families and carers, and palliative care providers.
When to refer a patient to SPCS
You can refer your patient to us for:
- assessment and advice for managing complex symptoms
- advanced care planning and medical goals of care
- practical care planning for end-of-life
- support to meet patients' needs
- support to meet the needs of the patient’s family or carers needs
- emotional or bereavement support.
How to refer a patient to SPCS
- A referral can be made by patients, carers, family members or health professionals.
- You can refer a patient if they are diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, are aware of it and agree to be referred.
- If the person is a child, or does not have capacity to provide agreement, their person responsible must agree to the referral.
- Referrals can be made to meet specialist palliative care needs.
- We appreciate detailed referrals.
- A referral to a Community Nursing Service is essential if ongoing nursing care is required.
Download the Specialist Palliative Care Services Referral Form
Download Specialist Palliative Care Services information for community care providers
Specialist palliative care services in Tasmania
Southern region
- Community Palliative Care
- J.W. Whittle Palliative Care Unit
Northern region
- Community Palliative Care
- Melwood Palliative Care Unit
North West region
- Community Palliative Care
Contact us for more information
Walking Through Grief program
Walking Through Grief is a free program offering support to adults who are experiencing grief following the death of a loved one because of a terminal illness.
It is an opportunity for people to meet socially and enjoy some gentle exercise in a safe and supportive environment.
Walks are conducted in a variety of locations. Walks last about an hour and are followed by morning tea. A team of volunteers and a program coordinator support the walks.
We can refer you to this program through our service, or you can contact the program:
