What Is Palliative Care at Wolper?
In keeping with Jewish customs, Wolper’s palliative care service offers a warm, empathetic and reassuring environment where patients can maintain their dignity, surrounded by traditional values. Our specially trained staff provide counselling and support for both patients and their families. Our focus is on symptom management and quality of life.
We also recognise the needs of family and friends, and encourage them to take part in the care of their loved one. Wolper is located in Woollahra, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, and welcomes patients and families from across greater Sydney, of all faiths and backgrounds.
Why Choose Wolper for Palliative Care
Care is delivered by a full multidisciplinary team, including palliative care physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, discharge planners, dietitians, speech pathologists and counsellors. Spiritual care is available for all faiths, and patients are welcome to request visits from their preferred religious representative.
Wolper Jewish Hospital participates in the Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration (PCOC), a national program aimed at improving the quality and outcomes of palliative care.
Facilities & Rooms
Inpatient palliative care is provided on the ground floor, in private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Four rooms have their own outdoor patios. Patients are encouraged to bring personal items that offer comfort, such as music, art or a favourite quilt, and approved pets are welcome to visit.
Spirituality
Jewish law states that terminally ill people should remain active and productive members of society for as long as possible. Wolper provides patients with the opportunity to do this by celebrating all Jewish festivals and holidays, and providing places where patients can celebrate with family and friends while they are able.
Wolper welcomes everyone regardless of religion or creed. Rabbis from a number of different synagogues visit the Hospital regularly offering religious counsel, advice and assistance. Patients are able to request their own Rabbi or minister of any other religion visit them. Please speak to nursing staff about this.
Visitors
We encourage visits by family and friends as an important means of delivering reassurance and comfort. The presence of relatives and friends ensures that patients do not feel abandoned, and confirms the family’s love, devotion and commitment.
For our palliative care patients only, there is no limit on visiting hours and family members can stay overnight.
Pets dogs and assistance dogs are permitted to visit with prior permission from the nursing staff.
Bereavement Counselling
Wolper’s palliative care staff are specially trained to provide counselling and support during a family’s grieving process. Staff can also arrange assistance and support from professional bereavement counsellors for patients and their families if required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Referral is generally made by a treating specialist, GP or hospital. Please see https://wolper.com.au/professionals/referring-a-patient/
Coverage depends on your health fund and level of cover. Please contact the relevant health fund to confirm coverage.
Yes. For palliative care patients, there’s no limit on visiting hours, and family members are welcome to stay overnight.
