Palliative care seeks to improve the quality of life of people facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness and their families. This is achieved by preventing and relieving suffering though early identification and assessment, and treatment of pain and other physical, psychosocial and spiritual problems.

Palliative care:

·       uses a team approach to address the needs of patients and their families, including bereavement counselling,

·       will enhance quality of life, and may also positively influence the course of illness

·         is applicable early in the course of illness, in conjunction with other therapies that are intended to prolong life, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and includes those investigations needed to better understand and manage distressing clinical complications (WHO, 2008)

Palliative care incorporates a wide range of both generalist and specialist health and social services and providers. It is delivered in a variety of settings. Palliative care requires a case management approach which works towards delivering an appropriate, needs-based combination of interventions by the right providers in the right place at the right time for each client, and for their family/whanau and/or other caregivers.

Palliative care is available from generalist (GP’s, Primary care Teams, Home Based Support Agencies and District Nurses) and specialist providers such as Hospice and Inpatient services to all those who need it. Palliative care should be provided regardless of diagnosis and place of care. Providers of generalist palliative care will have defined links with specialist palliative care team(s). These links will facilitate streamlined referral of clients with complex needs as well as advice, support and palliative care education.

The strategic development of Palliative Care services across ADHB has been advanced in the last two years with the establishment of a committed steering group consisting of representatives from both hospital and community services. This group were responsible for the development of the ADHB Adult Integrated Palliative Care Plan which outlines in detail the thirteen specific objectives in this area.

During the 2009/10 year a significant piece of work entitled ‘The ADHB Needs Assessment and Recommendations for service change’ was endorsed by the Board and the full copy of this report can be accessed here. 

 Contact

 Lisa Gestro Planning and Funding Manager Health of Older People, Disability & Palliative Care

 09 630 9943 x 26097     021 895 104    LGestro@ADHB.GOVT.NZ