Local Networks & Support

In Victoria, there are a variety of specialised services available to support aged care teams in providing palliative care. Getting to know the resources available to your service (including after hours), enables timely access to expert support for residents with complex needs. Linking in with your local palliative care networks can also open doors for other opportunities including training for staff, support with policy development and assistance navigating different health services. All of the tools and programs outlined below are FREE and provide support to aged care services across Victoria.

Tools and Services to support Aged Care

Palliative Care Advice Service

The Palliative Care Advice Service is a confidential support line that provides specialist advice on managing symptoms, providing comfort, and making care decisions for people with serious or life-limiting illnesses. It's available to nurses, carers, and families, offering guidance to improve end-of-life care.

1800 360 000 - 7 days a week (7am - 10pm)

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Victorian Virtual Emergency Department

The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) is a 24/7 telehealth service providing emergency medical support via video call. For aged care residents receiving palliative care, VVED offers timely clinical assessments, symptom management advice, and care planning from emergency physicians and palliative care nurse practitioners - avoiding the need to transfer to hospital (especially out of hours).

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Victorian Virtual Specialist Consults

The Victorian Virtual Specialist Consults (VVSC) is a free telehealth service that connects healthcare providers (GP's, Nurses, Allied Health professionals) with hospital specialists for case discussions and complex patient management. For aged care residents, the VVSC offers timely clinical assessments, symptom management advice, and care planning guidance from a number of specialist clinics available.

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Out of Hours Toolkit

In Victoria, Primary Health Networks (PHNs) have developed After-Hours Toolkits to assist Residential Aged Care Homes (RACHs) in managing resident care outside standard hours. These toolkits aim to reduce unnecessary hospital transfers by enhancing preparedness and promoting the use of telehealth services. To access the toolkit relevant for your local area, please visit the links below:

ISBAR Communication Tool

This Communication Framework is a guide developed by Western Health Alliance Ltd to enhance clinical handovers in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs). It introduces the ISBAR communication tool (Introduction/Identify, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) to standardize and improve the transfer of critical information between healthcare providers.

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Victoria's Palliative Care Consortia

The Palliative Care Consortia (PCC) are an initiative of the Victorian Government designed to support the delivery of effective, responsive and accessible palliative care services. Each consortium works with local health organisations (including aged care services) to provide coordinated, evidence-based and person-centered care that reflects the varying needs of each region’s population in line with the Victorian Government’s end-of-life and palliative care framework. Please visit the links below to learn more about your local consortium and resources:

Use our 'Find a Service Provider' tool to locate a palliative care provider in your local area.

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Local Networks & Support

Local Networks & Support

Tools and Services to support Aged Care

Palliative Care Advice Service

Victorian Virtual Emergency Department

Victorian Virtual Specialist Consults

Out of Hours Toolkit

ISBAR Communication Tool

Victoria's Palliative Care Consortia

Loddon Mallee Region PCC

Gippsland Region PCC

North Western Metro PCC

Eastern Metro Region PCC

Southern Metro Region PCC

Grampians Region PCC

Hume Region PCC

Barwon South Western Region PCC

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