Community Palliative Care Services

What Occurs During the Initial Assessment

One of our Clinical Nurse Specialists will arrange a meeting with the patient and their family. Depending on their needs, this may take place either at their home, residence, or through an appointment at our outpatient department at Marymount Hospice, providing flexibility and choice.

During this assessment, the specialist nurse will meticulously document the patient’s medical history and current illness circumstances. This comprehensive evaluation will encompass the patient’s physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs. A personalized care plan will then be devised based on these individual requirements. Following the consultation, the nurse will collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and the patient’s GP to discuss the patient’s care, providing guidance and support. This may involve referrals to specific services available within the hospice through our community-based program. The relevant parties, along with the patient and family, will agree on appropriate follow-up procedures.

It’s not uncommon for patients to be discharged from hospice services in the community if their condition stabilizes or if it’s determined that they no longer require specialist palliative care at that time.

Furthermore, as the patient’s needs evolve, they may be directed to different aspects of our specialist palliative care service where their needs can be best addressed.

For further details on eligibility criteria for accessing and being discharged from Specialist Palliative Care Services, please click here.