Welcome to our guide on finding palliative care support across Queensland.
If you or a loved one has received a serious diagnosis, it’s important to know who you can call. We’re PalAssist, a free palliative care in Queensland. Our team of nurses and health professionals has supported thousands of Queensland families through this experience.
And in this guide, we’ll cover:
- The main palliative care number in Queensland
- Regional and specialist contacts across the state
- How to get a referral to palliative care
- Advance care planning support for families
Read on to learn how to find the right end-of-life support.
Who to Call for Palliative Care Support in Queensland
The main palliative care number in Queensland is PalAssist on 1800 772 273. This free service connects you with nurses and health professionals who understand what families face during this time. There are also other options available for you in this region.
So, here are the main contacts for palliative care support across Queensland:
- PalAssist Helpline (1800 772 273): You can speak with trained nurses immediately without any referral. The line is open 7 AM to 7 PM, seven days a week. For emotional support, practical advice, or help finding local services, PalAssist is a good place to start.
- Palliative Care Queensland (07 3842 3242): PCQ is the peak body for palliative care in the state, and they’re helpful when you’re unsure which service suits your situation. Their team can point you toward local providers and resources.
- Regional Hospital and Health Service Contacts: Most of the regions in Queensland have their own specialist palliative care team. And your general practitioner (GP) can refer you to the nearest hospital service, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Townsville, or elsewhere.
- Aged Care Palliative Support (SPACE Programme): If your loved one lives in residential aged care, the SPACE programme brings specialist palliative care to them. It covers pain management, symptom control, and end-of-life support. Ask the aged care facility or your local health service for contact details.
- Paediatric Palliative Care Contacts: Families of children with life-limiting illnesses have dedicated services available. For example, you can reach Queensland Children’s Hospital on 1800 249 648, and Hummingbird House children’s hospice in Brisbane is on (07) 3621 4364.
- After Hours and Emergency Support: Both inside and outside business hours, 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) connects you with a registered nurse for advice. In case of emergencies, call 000 immediately. And if you’re already receiving palliative care, your care team should give you an after-hours number to keep at hand.
These options create a coordinated network designed to support patients and families at every stage.
How Do You Get a Referral to Palliative Care?
You can get a referral to palliative care through your GP or treating specialist. This method applies to hospital-based and community palliative care services across Queensland. More specifically, your doctor will guide you through the process based on your diagnosis and care needs.
Let’s get into more detail about the available referral options.
Through Your GP or Specialist
Your GP already knows your health history, and that makes the referral process smoother. They’ll assess your current symptoms and send a referral to your local specialist palliative care team (it can make the process feel less daunting, too).
Besides, if you’re seeing a specialist for your condition, like an oncologist or respiratory physician, they can also make the referral directly.
Remember, you don’t have to wait until the final stages of illness to get access to palliative care. It can begin early and work alongside your other treatments.
Self-Referral Options
Some palliative care services in Queensland accept enquiries without a formal referral. A good example of it is PalAssist. You can call us or chat online without needing paperwork from your doctor. Our team will answer your questions and help you find the right support.
Some community providers also take direct calls from families seeking information. Particularly, if you need a formal referral, they can explain the steps to you. This way, you’ll know what to expect during and after the process.
Pro tip: Keep key contact numbers saved in your phone under a clear label for quick access when needed.
Who Can Help With Advance Care Planning?
The Statewide Office of Advanced Care Planning helps Queensland families plan ahead for free. This service supports you in documenting your wishes for future health care, so your loved ones and doctors know what’s important to you. Planning early gives everyone clarity when difficult decisions need to be made.
Statewide Office of Advanced Care Planning
One of the biggest benefits of filing your wishes now is that your loved ones won’t have to face difficult decisions alone. Luckily, the Statewide Office, funded by Queensland Health, helps you record your values, preferences, and treatment choices in writing.
And if you’re wondering how to get their assistance, don’t worry. You can access their resources through the My Care My Choices website. It includes forms and guides for completing an Advance Health Directive or Statement of Choices (you can take it at your own pace).
Plus, if you need extra support, their team can answer questions and help you through the process.
Support for Families and Carers
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when you’re caring for someone with a life-limiting illness. To help you handle these situations better, Carer Gateway offers free counselling, coaching, and respite support on 1800 422 737. Their services are available to anyone in a caring role.
Also, if you’re struggling with grief or emotional distress, Griefline provides confidential support on 1300 845 745. These services are here throughout the caring process instead of just at the end.
We recommend reaching out sooner rather than later to help ease your emotional load.
Getting the Help Your Family Needs
When a family is dealing with a life-limiting illness, knowing who to contact can ease some of the burden. Services across Queensland are available to provide support, referrals, and guidance.
If you’re confused about where to start, PalAssist is a good first step. Call us to speak with a nurse who can listen, answer your questions, and point you toward the right support. You can also visit our website to chat online or request a callback.
We are here for you.
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