The Palliative Care Advice Service (PCAS) is a free, confidential hotline for anyone seeking information, guidance or support to help them live with, and make decisions about, life-limiting illness.
Palliative care is often misunderstood, according to Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service director Brian Le.
Associate Professor Le said it was about improving quality of life for people and families living "at any stage of life-limiting illness", irrespective of age.
“We know that palliative care can also increase life expectancy for those diagnosed with a life-limiting illness,” Associate Professor Le said.
As well as supporting patients and families, the phone service will be available to clinicians, to aid them in providing correct advice and care through guidance with symptom management, medications and decision-making.
PCAS manager Esther McMillan-Drendel said the phone service was a first of its kind for palliative care in Victoria.
“Helping to find the right local service, or providing clinical guidance, has the potential to change the outcome for the person on the end of the phone, no matter where they live in Victoria,” Ms McMillan-Drendel said.
Delivered by The Royal Melbourne Hospital, the statewide Palliative Care Advice Service operates from 7 am-10 pm, seven days a week and can be contacted on 1800 360 000 or by visiting www.pcas.org.au
