Palliative care and aged care services are provided by Caritas Christi
Hospice from
two sites. There are palliative care beds located at Caritas Christi Kew along with
a community day care centre for the elderly, a day hospice and support
services. Eastern Palliative Care, the home palliative care service, is also
based at Kew. At the Fitzroy Campus there are palliative care beds situated on the 6th
Floor of the In-patient Services Building of St. Vincent's Hospital.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is the care of people with a life-threatening disease
that cannot be cured. The main aims of palliative care are control of pain
and other symptoms along with attention to the patient's psychological,
emotional and spiritual concerns. Care may involve medical, nursing and allied health (e.g. physiotherapy,
occupational therapy, nutrition) services.
Palliative care is provided in hospitals, hospices such as Caritas
Christi and in the home. Patients can choose the location where they are
most comfortable and that is most appropriate to their needs. 
What is a hospice?
A hospice is a facility that provides palliative care. Sometimes patients require palliative care to help them with the symptoms
of their condition. At other times a patient may have respite care - this
gives their carers a rest.
Admissions
Admissions are arranged through the Admission Co-ordinator on telephone
03 9853 2344.
What to bring
We recommend that you bring:
- Comfortable day clothing
- Nightwear and
dressing gown
- Underwear
- Socks and slippers
- Toiletries
- Any other
personal items you may need.
Laundry facilities
We encourage families to take washing home for laundering. Please ask
your nurse for a laundry bag.
Valuables
To ensure the safety of your personal belongings, we recommend that you
do not keep money or valuables in your bed-side area. If valuables are
essential, your nurse can secure them in Caritas Christi's safe.
Pastoral Care
Our team of pastoral care practitioners can help by listening and
supporting you. The pastoral care staff can also organise a visit by a
hospital chaplain representing any of the major religious groups. Mass and
ecumenical services are held regularly and everyone is welcome.
Electrical equipment
For your safety, Caritas Christi's electrician must check all personal
electrical equipment (hair dryers, radios etc.) before use. Please ask your
nurse to arrange this.
Education
As Caritas Christi is a teaching facility, students of many health
disciplines visit us. All students and staff have committed to maintaining
your privacy. You are entitled to decline a student visit, at any time. Please talk to
your doctor, nurse or the Caritas Christi patient representative if you have
any questions or concerns.
Volunteers
Volunteers are valued members of the Caritas Christi team and complement
the care of staff. Volunteers provide patients, family and friends with
practical assistance as well as support and understanding. Individuals who
are interested in volunteering can contact the Co-ordinator of Volunteers
for further information on 03 9853 2344.
Outings
You are encouraged to attend outings with your family or friends, or to
visit your home for a few hours or overnight if you feel well enough. To
ensure that your medications are ready, please discuss your outing with your
nurse well in advance.
Hairdresser
A hairdresser is available; please talk to your nurse if you would like
to arrange an appointment.
Telephones and Television
Kew A convenient, bed-side telephone can be arranged by asking your
nurse. You are also welcome to bring in your own portable set to use, but
for safety reasons it needs to be checked by our electrician before use. To
maintain the peaceful atmosphere, televisions need to have a remote control
and earphones. Mobile phones are permitted at the Kew campus.
Fitzroy
At the Fitzroy campus, the telephone and television system operates on a
pre-paid system. Patients can have a direct dial-in telephone number.
Patients may also choose to enjoy free-to-air TV stations, movie channels
and a selection of pay TV stations. Families are encouraged to help patients set up their account on
admission.
Snack facilities
Tea and coffee are available for visitors. A fridge and microwave are
available if family and friends want to bring in special or favourite foods.
A fully equipped kitchen is available for use by family and friends at
Kew. At Fitzroy, meals and snacks are available at various outlets in and
near the hospital.
Transport
Kew Buses travel directly past Caritas Christi Kew and trams can be
caught from the nearby Kew junction. There is parking available on the grounds of Caritas Christi and in the
surrounding streets. Fitzroy Buses and trams are travel regularly along from Nicholson Street
and Victoria Parade. Parliament train station is a five minute walk from the
campus.
Limited parking is available in Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy in the car park
directly under the main hospital building or in the multi-storey car park.
The Museum car park in Nicholson Street is a short walk away. Council
parking officers are vigilant, so please note restrictions if using the
meter parking spaces in the surrounding streets.
Visiting hours
Visitors are welcome 11:00am - 8:00pm each day. Families may visit at any
time by arrangement with staff.
Caritas Christi Hospice - Kew Campus
104 Studley Park Road
Kew Victoria
3101
Tel 03 9853 2344
Fax 03 9853 1509
Caritas Christi Hospice - Fitzroy
Campus 6th Floor
In-patient Services
Building
St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne
Princes Street
Fitzroy Victoria
3065
Tel 03 9288 4697
Fax 03 9288 4696
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