Our Palliative Care Units
A doctor may refer a patient to our Palliative Care Unit if they feel that they will benefit from this type of care. After an initial assessment, the person can be admitted directly from home or transferred from another hospital ward.
Care can be provided at any stage of illness and can include end-of-life care.
After a period receiving care in the Palliative Care Unit, they may:
- return home with increased supports
- be transferred to a residential care facility
- remain in the unit for end-of-life care depending on their clinical needs.
Bereavement support is available to help family members and carers cope with the changes they may experience during the illness of their loved one. Religious and cultural practices are supported and respected, and interpreters are used when needed.
Monash Health has two inpatient palliative care units:
- McCulloch House, at Monash Medical Centre
- Casey Palliative Care Unit, at Casey Hospital
McCulloch House and the Casey Palliative Care Unit are part of the public health system with consultations covered by Medicare. These units do not provide long-term permanent care.
McCulloch House
McCulloch House is Monash Health’s largest inpatient palliative care unit, with 16 beds. All single and shared rooms have views of the gardens. Room allocation is according to clinical needs and can change during admission.
Casey Palliative Care unit
Casey Hospital has five inpatient palliative care beds within the medical ward of Tower 3 at Casey Hospital. Each is a single room with an ensuite bathroom. Additional ward resources include allied health services, spiritual care and music therapy.