Palliative care resources for the holiday period

November 30, 2025

In the lead up to the holiday period, supporting patients and carers in palliative care is crucial.

The Palliative Care Access to Core Medicines project aims to support palliative care in the community and assists people who wish to die at home through timely access to essential medicines. This minimises suffering associated with emergent end-of-life symptoms. 

For Clinics: The SEMPHN webpage has a map of pharmacists in your area who stock medications often used at end-of-life:  Over 100 pharmacies in the south-east region of Melbourne have committed to stocking these medications, making access to medications easier for your patients. 

For Pharmacists: Pharmacists who wish to join the list can fill out the Letter of Intent. Pharmacists can also access a free online training program created by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. The ASPIRE program was developed to upskill pharmacists with the foundation knowledge and skills needed to provide palliative care support to their patients through quality use of medicines.

The Victorian Palliative Care Advice Service (PCAS) is for everyone everywhere in Victoria, and can also help to support patients and carers over the holiday period. PCAS offers free, confidential advice for all Victorians seeking information about life-limiting illness, palliative care or end-of-life care. If you are a doctor, nurse, healthcare worker or provider we can assist with symptom management, prescribing and decision-making.


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