Extended palliative care services for Queenslanders

Patients and their families now have greater access to support thanks an extension of Queensland’s palliative care helpline, PalAssist.

The service, operated by Cancer Council Queensland, is now being offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week extending the services which were previously offered 9am to 5pm, five days a week

Health Minister Cameron Dick officially launched the extended services today.

“Palliative care is all about improving the quality of life for patients facing life threatening illness and their families,” Mr Dick said.

“We are very pleased to be partnering with the Cancer Council Queensland to deliver an expanded PalAssist helpline service.

“Under this new arrangement the PalAssist helpline will now be available to patients, families and carers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

This is a no cost telephone and online service which offers immediate advice and emotional support for patients, carers, family and friends.

Mr Dick said the Queensland Government was committed to supporting patients and their families during what could be an extremely difficult time.

“The extended service will provide empathetic and accurate information, referral, advice and psychological support for people with a life limiting or terminal illness or condition and their families and carers,” Mr Dick said.

“Qualified and trained staff will be on hand at all times to take calls.”

PalAssist is a free service, now available to Queenslanders 24 hours, seven days a week, on 1800 772 273 or palassist.org.au.

The Queensland Government provided funding of $1.8 Million over three years to Cancer Council Queensland to deliver statewide service.

ENDS

Media contact:       Minister’s Office      3035 6100