Paediatric Palliative Care Service
The Paediatric Palliative Care Service provides physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological support to children who have a life-limiting illness. Care focuses on quality of life – it does not mean withdrawing all treatment. Active interventions such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, medication regimes or special diets may help to relieve symptoms and improve a child’s quality of life.
We also provide support to families (including siblings) of children with a life-limiting illness. Palliative care can be provided in a number of places including the home, children’s hospital, local hospital and hospice. Our services include:
- managing pain and symptoms
- care coordination
- home visits
- school visits
- referral to additional specialists
- links to community support services
- assistance with equipment needs
- telehealth phone calls and video conferences
- practical and emotional support
- pastoral care
- bereavement support.
Clinics
Paediatric Palliative Care
Level 2 (2e), Queensland Children’s Hospital, 501 Stanley Street, South Brisbane, 4101
Who can access this service?
New patients
Referrals are accepted up to 16 years of age (prior to 16th birthday).
Existing patients with complex care needs
Referrals are accepted up to their 18th birthday (patients are usually transitioned to adult services by this time).
Catchment area
This service is available to children living in Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Do I need a referral?
You will need a formal referral to access this service.
How do I get a referral?
You will need a doctor (general practitioner or paediatrician) to make a referral to the service for any:
- children with a life-limiting illness
- families of children with a life-limiting illness.
Other referral information
We suggest that both parents attend the initial appointment.
Please contact the Patient Call Centre to confirm or change appointments.
t: 1300 762 831
Information for health professionals
Referral instructions
Referring doctors should ask both parents to attend the initial appointment.
Urgent referrals
Contact the staff specialists (Dr Anthony Herbert or Dr Jean Kelly) or the paediatric fellow through the hospital switchboard.
t: 07 3068 1111
Supporting information
This service is available at
General Medicine (2e)
Queensland Children’s Hospital
Level 2
501 Stanley Street
South Brisbane
QLD 4101
View map
Contact details
t: 07 3068 1111 (hospital switchboard) | 1800 249 648 (toll free 24/7 palliative care support and advice hotline)
e: ppcs@health.qld.gov.au | bereavement.ppcs@health.qld.gov.au
Operating hours
Monday to Friday, 8am–4.30pm.
After hours telephone support is also available via the toll free palliative care support and advice hotline.
Resources
Bereavement Support brochure
Directory of support services, information and resources for bereaved families
Palliative Care brochure
Palliative Care for Children with Cancer – A Guide for Parents