Palliative Care

Palliative care is specialised medical care for people with serious illnesses. Patients may be referred to the Palliative Care Team if they have complex symptoms such as pain, nausea, shortness of breath, or complex psychological or social needs related to their condition, despite care being provided by other professionals.

Our service

The goal of the palliative care service is to improve quality of life for both you and your family. Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses and other specialists, who work with a patient's other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. Palliative care is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness, and it can be provided together with curative treatment. 

The team works closely with Marymount University Hospital and Hospice, Curraheen, regarding inpatient care, day hospice, outpatients, and community services.

Accessing our service

Referral to the Palliative Care Team is made by the hospital consultant who is responsible for the patient’s care. You may be referred to the palliative care services if you have been diagnosed with a life-limiting condition such as cancer, heart failure or motor neuron disease.

You may be referred to palliative care so that you can get advice and support on: 

• Symptom control
• Psychological or social distress  
• Future care planning         
• The provision of end-of-life care

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can the palliative care team help you or your family?

We can offer advice and support on the management of symptom control issues such as:

• Pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Breathlessness

We can also give psychological support and advice to both you and your family/carers about your illness and planning for the future

How do I access the palliative care team for my sick relative?

If your relative is in hospital, just speak with a member of the medical team responsible for their care and ask them to send a referral to the palliative care team. If your relative is at home or in a nursing home, the GP should be contacted and asked to refer the person to the local palliative care team.

How do I contact the palliative care team in the Cork University Hospital?

Call the hospital switchboard on (021) 4922000 and ask to speak to a member of the palliative care team. The hospital palliative care team is staffed from 8:00am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

What is Community Palliative Care?

The community palliative care team is a nurse-led service that operates out of Marymount University Hospital and Hospice that provides advice and support around symptom management, pain control, social difficulties and psychological needs. They visit you in your own home and liaise with your GP, your palliative care consultant, and with your hospital and community support services. This can be arranged following your discharge from Cork University Hospital if needed.