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Paediatric Palliative Care Service

Child holding stethoscope to TeddyPaediatric palliative care services exist in all states of Australia and typically have a state-wide and territory remit.

Services provide holistic and compassionate care for children and their families who have identified palliative care needs.  This care support can be provided directly or indirectly through local health teams in collaboration with the specialist paediatric palliative care service.

Support is provided for families to care for their children in the environment of their choice, including at home in their local community, with flexibility for hospital or hospice admissions as required. 

Primary care teams and other health professionals involved in the care of children with life limiting conditions can seek direct medical, nursing and allied health support and advice from paediatric palliative care services throughout Australia.
 

Potential team members

Care is tailored according to the needs of each patient/family with a focus on maintaining quality of life. Each service has a unique team membership. Please refer to the different roles below and contact your local paediatric palliative care service for specific details.  

Paediatric Palliative Care Inter-professional Team Members:

Paediatric Palliative Care Services in Australia

Please note, there are some children’s hospices in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia that offer a range of supports and services. Many adult hospices will also support children and their families. Your local Paediatric Palliative Care Service may assist you with more information and decision making regarding place of care.
 

Queensland

The Sydney Children's Hospital Network (including sydney Children's Hospital Randwick and Children's Hospital at Westmead) and The John Hunter Children's Hospital are partners in the NSW Paediatric Palliative Care Program. Specialist paediatric palliative care services in New South Wales

The ACT Paediatric Palliative Care Service is a nursing-led service based at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, in the Paediatric Department, which is co-located with The Canberra Hospital.

The Paediatric Palliative Care Service aims to support children with life-limiting illnesses to live as well as possible, and provides:

  • Clinical and consultative services
  • Support for staff in hospital medical units, metropolitan and regional health service centres
  • Coordination of services and case management
  • Education in the specialty of paediatric palliative care
  • Care wherever the child and family are, including in the home, in the community, and in hospital or hospice

Referrals are accepted from health care professionals across the care spectrum, and families may also self-refer, with subsequent contact made with treating teams.