The Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program (VPPCP) is a partnership between Very Special Kids, the Monash Medical Centre, the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Department of Human Services. It aims to provide a statewide consultation and liaison service for families who have a child with palliative care needs regardless of diagnosis.
The program team liaise, consult with and support the treating unit providing medical or nursing care and the family’s local community networks. They ensure the child and his / her family has access to coordinated care in the place of their choice. The team consists of a paediatrician, a case management liaison worker and liaison nurses.
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Who can use the VPPCP?
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The program is statewide and supports any family of a child / young person with a life-limiting illness who resides in Victoria.
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Who can contact the VPPCP?
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Any person is able to consult and liaise with the VPPCP. Referrals for care coordination will be accepted from any person involved with the child or family, including the GP, district nurse, paediatrician, specialist doctor, family member, hospital or social worker. If a referral for care coordination of a child / young person by VPPCP is made, the family must be aware of the referral.
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How can families and professionals use the VPPCP?
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For information – the team provides information and education to the community on all aspects of paediatric palliative care.
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As a consultation service – the team is available to provide consultation with agencies concerning the specific care of individual children.
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Liaison, development of a plan of care and coordination of services – many families find themselves repeating their story to all the professionals involved in the care of their child. VPPCP can assist your family to identify your specific needs and goals and to link with local community agencies for physical, social and emotional support.
An individualised care plan will be developed. This can be shared with people who provide care to your child / young person to ensure your individual family needs are met. The care plan could include information about your family’s wishes for care during the final stages of your child’s life, including the choice of the place of care and follow-up support for your family.
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Contact the VPPCP
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Postal address:
Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program
Royal Children’s Hospital
3rd Floor, South East Building
Flemington Road, Parkville Vic 3052
Tel: 03 9345 5374 (business hours)
Fax: 03 9345 5585
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| Web: www.rch.org.au/rch_palliative |
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