Patient Information
Palliative Care
This leaflet has been written to provide information about palliative care. We hope it answers some of the questions or concerns you may have. It is not intended to replace talking with medical or nursing staff.
What is Palliative care?
Palliative care refers to the care of patients who may have cancer or other life threatening illnesses, when treatment may not be able to provide a cure. If this is the case, your doctor may suggest treatments that will prolong your life and keep you as well as possible. Care is aimed at controlling pain and other symptoms and providing support for you and your family.
Who is involved in the Palliative care team?
The team consists of specialist consultants, Macmillan nurses (nurses specialising in palliative care), social workers and a variety of other professionals including physiotherapists and pharmacists. The team also works closely with GPs and district nurses.
Once you are referred to the palliative care team you will be given a key worker. Your key worker will be available for you to contact if you have any concerns regarding your symptoms or any questions about your illness. The key worker will be a Macmillan nurse who will continuously assess your needs and discuss your care with you and your family at every stage of your illness.
Your key worker is
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Why might I be referred to the Palliative care team?
It is recognised that coming to terms with a serious illness can be very difficult. The Palliative care team are able to offer support to you and your family throughout your illness, not just at the later stages as often thought. You may feel you need extra support from time to time and it can help to talk through your thoughts and feelings.
The team also advise on symptom and pain control and can be an expert source of information for you and for the people caring for you. The overall aim of the palliative care team is to help make sure the best quality of life is achieved for both you and your family.
Where does palliative care take place?
This depends on your illness, any treatment you have, your symptoms and your personal choice. Palliative care takes place in a variety of settings depending on your individual needs. These include your own home, hospitals, as an inpatient or out patient, nursing homes and hospices. Throughout your illness your key worker and palliative care team will assess your needs and discuss your care with you and your family.
For further information contact Palliative care team between 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday:
Marian Ellison 0151 293 2247
Kate Lock 0151 288 2630
Noreen Boyd 0151 293 2247
Social worker
Tracy Sweeney 0151 724 6600
Palliative Care Associate Specialist
Dr Helen Bonwick 0151 801 1400
Or visit;
Or contact the Bacup free phone cancer information line on;
0808 800 1234
If you require a copy of this leaflet in any other language or format please contact us quoting the leaflet code and the language you require.
JCOV21/PALS
Publication date November 05
Review November 06