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Palliative Care is specialised medical care for people with serious illness. It aims to provide the best quality of life for patients and their families who face problems associated with life-limiting illness.

Patients may be referred to the Palliative Care Team if they have complex symptoms such as pain, nausea, shortness of breath, or complex psychological or social needs related to their condition, despite care being provided by other professionals.

Referral to the Palliative Care Team is made by the hospital consultant who is responsible for the patient’s care. Referrals may be made to provide advice and specialist support for:

• Symptom control
• Psychological or social distress
• End of life care
• Future care planning.

Patients may be seen as inpatients, outpatients or in the Haematology Oncology Day Centre (HODC) at St James’s Hospital.

The team works closely with Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services, Harold’s Cross and Blackrock, Dublin, regarding inpatient care, day hospice, outpatients and community services.