Launch of new palliative care information website

Launch of new palliative care information website

A new Scottish website designed to provide members of the public with information about palliative care has been launched.

The Palliative Care zone brings together a range of information on different aspects of palliative care with the aim of making it easier for people to access quality-assured information on palliative care.

Mark Hazelwood, director of the Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care, said: “Many tens of thousands of people in Scotland live with advanced or life threatening illness. Even more people are supporting a friend, colleague or family member who is affected.

“The Palliative Care Zone is for all these people. It will help them get all the information which they need, whether that information is about managing symptoms, arranging a holiday or planning ahead to cope with possible further deterioration in their condition. Palliative care is about getting the best out of life, even where a cure may not be possible. This zone provides a wealth of practical and useful information, as well as signposting to other resources.”

The palliative care zone is divided into six sections:

Symptom Control - describes some of the symptoms most common in a progressive condition, and provides information on how they can be managed.

Talking About My Condition - offers some simple advice to help people feel more comfortable asking questions to find out what they need to know. It also contains information on how to talk to children, and sources of support for people with learning disabilities.

Babies, Children and Young People – this section directly links to the Together for Short Lives website. Together for Short Lives is a voice for children and young people who are not expected to live to reach adulthood and their families. They work to ensure that these families have the best quality care and support wherever they live and whenever they need it.

Practical Help – provides information about different people who can help with palliative care needs, enabling people with progressive conditions to be as independent as possible and still do the things they enjoy. This section also directs users to organisations that can provide information on finances.

Planning for the Future – this section provides information and advice on the important decisions an individual might need to make regarding their future care, and also provides information on legal issues.

Preparing for Death and Bereavement - aims to provide supportive information to help in the time leading up to death, and to support family and friends in their bereavement.

The Palliative Care zone is part of NHS Inform, a website hosted by NHS 24 and designed to provide members of the public with a single source of trusted health information. The Palliative Care zone is the final outcome of the work of Living and Dying Well short life working group 4, and has been produced with significant support and input from NHS Forth Valley, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care. Any comments or feedback on the new site can be emailed to the Scottish Parntership for Palliative.