Support from Palliative Care Professionals
The existing Specialist Palliative Care services offered by each HSC Trust and the local hospices across Northern Ireland will continue to operate, although some face to face services may be restricted in line with Government advice and social distancing measures. Some of these providers are also planning to enhance their service to offer additional telephone advice to health professionals caring for patients in their last days of life.
PALLIATIVE CARE ADVICE FOR GPs & HOSPITAL MEDICAL TEAMS
Palliative Care advice for other health care professionals in Northern Ireland
Where possible, the professional with clinical responsibility for the patient should be the first contact for support or advice regarding their care. However, it is recognised that due to pressures during Covid-19 this may not always be possible, in these instances, other health care professionals (including District/Community Nurses and Care Home nurses) can seek advice from the following services;
In addition, health & social care professionals can also seek advice from:
- Marie Curie – Information & Support Service
The Marie Curie Information & Support Service can provide guidance and support for patients, carers and healthcare professionals caring for someone with palliative care needs. https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support
The Marie Curie Support Line has been extended to operate 7 days a week (8am – 6pm Monday to Friday and 11am -5pm on weekends)
FREEPHONE 0800 090 2309 https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/marie-curie-support-line
- Macmillan Cancer Support
The Macmillan Support Line is available 7 days per week, 9am-5pm on 0808 808 00 00