Overview
Palliative care is intended to reduce and relieve symptoms of progressive illness. This includes illnesses like Cancer, Motor Neurone Disease or poor function of important organs like the heart, lungs or kidneys.
The goal of palliative care is to achieve the best quality of life for patients and help with their concerns or those of their families or carers.
What to Expect
The Hospital Palliative Care Team consists of nurses and doctors experienced and trained in specialist palliative care. The service is provided for adults who require outpatient and inpatient care/treatment within the hospital. We work closely with all Health Care Professionals, including Consultants and the multi-professional team at Darent Valley Hospital.
Further Information
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Provide pain and symptom control advice
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Provide an opportunity to discuss physical, emotional, and social needs
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Provide support and allow the opportunity to express your thoughts and feelings
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Offer advice and support for family and/or carers
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Work closely with members of the hospital team involved in care
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Liaise and work closely with your community nursing team, hospice nurse, and GP
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Link up with local hospices for in-patient, day hospice care and other services provided, if appropriate
Referrals to the Hospital Team are made by a health care professional, e.g., a doctor or nurse.
It is important that you have agreed to the referral.