Medibank’s Melbourne customers can now access Palliative Care at Home

Medibank customers in Melbourne can now access palliative care services delivered in the comfort and privacy of their own home.

Medibank’s Palliative Care at Home program is already available to eligible Medibank customers under trial in Brisbane, Perth, Sydney and Townsville.

Group Executive of Healthcare & Strategy Dr Andrew Wilson said Medibank is committed to offering greater choice in where patients die.

“We believe there is an unmet need for at home palliative care services in Australia. To improve the end stage of life we must advocate for patients to have a choice in where they die whenever possible, and to enable flexible care arrangements,” Dr Wilson said.

“We are proud to offer this service to our Melbourne customers, particularly at a time when they’re facing challenging and emotional circumstances.

“After an initial in-home consultation, Medibank’s palliative care service develops a holistic plan to support a patient’s wishes, which may include support from a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, counsellors, pastoral care workers, and other health professionals.

“If a patient’s symptoms become more complex, more intensive support is available so they can continue to be cared for in the place of their choice, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

In Melbourne, Medibank’s Palliative Care at Home program will be delivered by Medibank’s wholly owned subsidiary Home Support Services, one of Australia’s leading home healthcare companies for over 30 years.

Home Support Services is now also providing palliative care for Bupa’s Melbourne customers, meaning more people can access this holistic care service from the comfort of their own home.

For more information about Medibank’s Palliative Care at Home program and where it operates, click here.