Provision of Specialist Palliative Care Services in the South Metropolitan Health Service Area

The South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS) requires the provision of adult inpatient Specialist Palliative Care Services (SPCS) to ensure continued high-quality, palliative care for public patients residing within the SMHS catchment area. Contracted services will include admitted patient services and ambulance services.

SPCS must be provided by health professional teams who have recognised qualifications or accredited training in palliative care. SPCS provide direct care to patients and their family/carers with complex palliative care needs and/or provide consultation services to support, advise, and educate specialist and non-specialist teams to provide end-of-life care.

The service must be inclusive and adaptable to diverse patient needs, ensuring equitable access regardless of diagnosis. Ensuring continuity of care, compliance with clinical and policy standards, and adaptability to the growing and complex needs of patients with life-limiting illnesses.