Palliative Care
Angela Newton (Specialist), Jennifer Johnston (Specialist), Melissa Armstrong
Palliative Care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing problems associated with life threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by identification, assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual (World Health Organisation, 2005).
The Armidale Community Palliative Care Service offers in home support to patients and their
families facing life threatening illnesses, including cancer, to the people of Armidale, Uralla and
surrounds. The service is tailored to individual needs and aims to enhance your quality of life and maintain your independence as long as possible.
The service not only offers support with the management of physical symptoms such as pain, nausea and fatigue but also with psychological, spiritual and social issues which may be occurring during this time. We can also offer practical support such as equipment loan and Home Care support for both personal and domestic care. In addition, and if needed, we can facilitate referrals to respite care, dieticians, occupational therapists and other professional services which may be required to aid the patient. Furthermore, the service also offers ongoing bereavement support to carers and families, at what can be a very difficult time. The service is staffed by specially trained and experienced Palliative Care Registered Nurses and is available 7 days a week, between 7.30am and 5.00pm.
For more information or to refer for support for yourself or a family member please contact
Armidale Community Palliative Care service
Palliative Care services are also available for people living in Glen Innes, Guyra and Inverell (and the surrounding areas). To contact these services please phone:
Glen Innes Community Health
Guyra Community Health
Inverell Community Health