Community specialist palliative care services contact information

Community specialist palliative care services

Community specialist palliative care services are resources for health care professionals in all community care settings to access expert support for patients facing a life threatening condition irrespective of diagnosis.

In particular for:

  • management and monitoring of persistent and/or transient symptoms
  • management of complex emotional and psychological issues
  • management of complex social and family issues
  • Planning end of life care

It is important to recognise that the above are not mutually exclusive.

What is the specialist palliative care service

The team is made up of experienced registered nurses who have additional specialist knowledge and experience and work to specialist palliative care competencies. In addition to managing a clinical caseload within agreed boundaries and protocols they have a role within teaching, consultancy and research. The team work with other specialist palliative care providers to try to help all healthcare professionals provide holistic palliative care.

Aim of the service

To ensure that all patients with complex palliative care needs receive high quality symptom control assessments, psychological support and advice to meet their individual needs.

When you telephone the service you will speak to the Cornwall NHS switchboard who will take your message and pass it on to the nurse covering your area; messages are collected by the nurses regularly throughout the day. Please note this is not an emergency service. Any urgent calls need to go to your GP surgery or the on-call doctor service.

Team working

The nursing team work closely with a range of health professionals in the community, hospital and other statutory agencies such as Department of Adult Care and Support. We will seek your permission before sharing your personal information with other professionals. At times we may be accompanied by students as part of their training.

Ongoing care by the team may not necessarily be needed, assessment will guide this. Patients may be referred on to other services if appropriate.

Availability

Our service is available between 9am and 4.30pm, 7 days a week including bank holidays.

Referrals

This form is for patients living in Cornwall and registered with a Cornwall-based GP surgery. Read the referral criteria.

Email completed forms to the Community Specialist Palliative Care Team.

Resources