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Comfort, presence, acceptance and love
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Palliative Care
"The active total care of patients whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. Control of pain, or other symptoms, and of psychological, social and spiritual problems is paramount. The goal of palliative care is the achievement of the best possible quality of life for patients and their families."
World Health Organisation
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Wolper Jewish Hospital's long standing vision of a comprehensive health care facility has led to the development of a palliative care service - a new, distinctive discipline of medicine that not only caters for the medical and psychological needs of patients but also the concerns and anguish of their families.
Wolper is one of only a handful of Sydney hospitals providing professional palliative care that extends to people with terminal illness and their loves ones.
Wolper's palliative care service aims to allow terminally-ill patients to be accommodated in a comfortable and supportive environment. In keeping with the Hospital's Jewish heritage the palliative care facility is a warm, caring and reassuring environment allowing patients to maintain their dignity in an atmosphere of traditional values.
Wolper's palliative care service is integrated within the Hospital's medical ward. There are no specifically designed palliative beds - a consideration that aims to maintain hope.
Central to Wolper's palliative care services is the inclusion of Jewish cultural values and beliefs in the Hospital's care and management programs. Wolper staff have designed an atmosphere within the hospital that aims to provide an extension of personal lifestyles and ideologies.
Specialised Care
The specialty of Palliative Care focuses on addressing and relieving the pain associated with incurable and progressive illnesses. The essential element of palliative care is the alleviation of discomforting symptoms.
 Wolper's accredited staff are committed to easing suffering through management of physical and psychological well-being.
Specialist palliative care nurses are supported by a team of medical consultants trained to meet both the medical and personal requirements of patients and their families.
Integral members of Wolper's palliative team are the Hospital's auxiliary carers including, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, counsellors, pharmacists and dietitians.
Resident medical officers are also available 24 hours a day.
Spirituality
Jewish law determines that the terminally-ill should remain active and productive members of society for as long as possible. The Hospital celebrates all Jewish festivals and holidays, aiming to provide patients with hope as life and celebration continue around them.
Rabbis from different synagogues visit the Hospital on a daily basis offering religious counsel, advice and assistance.
Wolper Jewish Hospital is non denominational and accepts all people regardless of religion or creed. Catholic priests and Protestant ministers regularly visit the Hospital and can be summoned upon request.
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.
Respite and Bereavement
olper staff are trained to provide counselling and support during a family's grieving process. The palliative care sister can provide advice on the emotional experience associated with loss.
Outreach Services
Wolper provides specialised programs as part of the Hospital's Outreach Services. The ”Outreach Program” delivers support and services to palliative patients who have returned home.
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