Palliative Care
(Care for the terminally ill)
Palliative care is the active total care of an individual whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment and who is in the end stage of life. Control of pain, or other symptoms and of psychological, social and spiritual problems is paramount. The goal of palliative care is the achievement of the best possible quality of life for individuals, their families and carers.
Community Care services is available to all those who require palliative care, whatever their illness.
Primary Health Care team members care for the majority of people requiring palliative care in the community. They are supported by the Macmillan Nurse and the GP Macmillan Training Facilitator. There is also an oncology nurse based in the Gilbert Bain Hospital. Specialist care is available through a teleconferencing facility between Shetland and Aberdeen. A local Lead Cancer Team has established links with the Grampian Care Centre to ensure that services are streamlined and that no unnecessary journeys are undertaken.
Respite care is also available at the Gilbert Bain Hospital.
Social Workers provide a fast track single shared assessment of needs where people are terminally ill and the provision of all necessary services is given high priority. Services may include home care, occupational therapy, specialist equipment, adaptations to property, community alarm, day care and residential care.
The Community Support Worker scheme also offers a high level of personal care to people in their own homes working closely with health care professionals, social care and voluntary services.
Crossroads Care Attendant Scheme helps carers and families by providing respite care at home to vulnerable people, some of whom may be terminally ill.
People who are terminally ill may also receive help form other local voluntary organisations including Advocacy Shetland and the Macmillan Fund.
Palliative Care Leaflet
Support Services include:
Crossroads Care Attendant Scheme on 01595 692588
Cancer link Aberdeen & North (CLAN) Freephone 0800 783 7922 for Info & Support Tel: 01224 647 000
Chest, Heart & Stroke, Scotland 0345 720 720
Macmillan Nurse on 01595 743 347/743 092
Advocacy Shetland on 01595 743929