What is the role of the hospital Palliative care team?
We are a team of specialist nurses and medical consultants that are hospital based. We have specialist training and experience in controlling symptoms and offering support associated with cancer and other life limiting conditions. Our aim is to improve the quality of life for patients and their carers.
What can the Palliative care team do for you?
With our expertise in symptom control, we can suggest ways to help alleviate symptoms, such as pain or vomiting and bring about a sense of relief as specialist advisors. We work closely with other people, such as care managers, community palliative care teams, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and chaplains, to help with some of the wider issues associated with illness. Together we form a Multi-Disciplinary team (MDT). The MDT has a weekly meeting to plan how best to meet the patient’s palliative needs.
Support and information
People experience a variety of emotions when a diagnosis of cancer or other life limiting condition is confirmed. It can often be a very difficult time, which is unsettling for the patient, their family and carers.
It may help the patient to talk to someone with experience who can answer some of the questions they have about their illness and the proposed treatment. Spending time to discuss concerns may relieve anxiety and leave the patient more able to cope.
Who is Palliative care for?
Palliative care can be for any patient who has a cancer or other life limiting condition, which may benefit from our involvement. This involvement extends to carers in a supportive role in recognition that their needs are also important.
