Is Peninsula Hospice Service part of another service?
No. PHS in an Incorporated Not-For-Profit Assocation which was established by the community in 1984 in response to community needs. We have a voluntary community-based Board of Directors and receive most of our funding from the Department of Human Services. Additional funding comes from fundraising activities carried out by our auxiliaries and donations from patient’s families and other supporters. We have strong professional links with other services in order to provide quality professional care for our patients.

How does a person access Peninsula Hospice Service's support?

• By phoning the office on 9783 6177
• People may self refer.
• Family and friends may contact PHS with enquiries but should always obtain the permission of the person before PHS can contact them to arrange a visit.
• Doctors or other health care providers may refer
• It is not necessary to obtain a medical referral for an assessment visit to be made, however PHS staff must have medical information if ongoing care is required.
• Office hours are from 9.00am till 5.00pm Monday to Friday. At other times callers may leave a message or be transferred to the Royal District Nursing Service’s after hours service. Messages will be responded to on the following business day.

What happens when someone seeks help from Peninsula Hospice Service?
Very soon after a referral is received, the person will be contacted by a PHS Intake and Assessment Palliative Care Nurse who will arrange to visit them at home to discuss their needs and those of their carers and family. If our services are required, a plan of care will be offered and the visiting Intake and Assessment Nurse will arrange the necessary help from PHS staff members and volunteers.

Assistance offered by PHS team members may include physical, emotional, spiritual and practical support through some or all of the following services:

Nursing and Medical Care
Counselling and Social Work
Welfare Support
Patient Care Volunteer Support
Art Therapy
MusicTherapy
Pastoral Care
Bereavement Support

The team members will also provide information about other services that might be of help and may assist the person gain access to these services where appropriate.

If a person requires nursing care at the time of this pre-arranged visit, the Intake and Assessment Nurse will provide immediate assistance. Ongoing nursing care will be provided by the specialist palliative care nurses from Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) who are our partners in care.

What does it cost to use your services?
Whilst PHS does not charge fees for any palliative care services, the RDNS, which provides nursing services under contract to us, is obliged to charge a small fee. All allied health services and volunteer support is free of charge.

Does PHS only work with adults who have cancer?
No. Our Service is open to all persons, of any age, gender or cultural background who have a progressive life threatening illness, which includes conditions other than cancer.

Do you have beds for patients?
No, our patients are cared for in their own homes by our multi-disciplinary team. However, at times, some patients may require respite care in hospital or Peninsula Health’s Palliative Care Unit located at Golf Links Road.

How do I make a donation?
As a community-based agency, community financial support is important. About 25% of our funds come from donations. These can be made directly to PHS by cheque to PO Box 759, Frankston, or call us on 9783 6177 to use your credit card over the phone. All donations are receipted and tax deductible. See our Support PHS page for more information.

How are donations used?
Donations are used to fund many aspects of the service including patient welfare activities and programs such as our patient support groups, bereavement groups and sometimes to purchase equipment.

How can I find out about volunteering with patients and families?
Call our Manager of Volunteers on 9783 6177 with enquiries. There is a formal training period conducted over several weeks and ongoing professional development activities are available. More information is available here.

How can I help with fundraising events?
Phone us at the office on 9783 6177 and speak with our PR & Marketing Officer or our Community Fundraising Officer to discuss how you may like to help. We have lots of different events happening throughout the year and always looking for new and fun things to do to raise important funds.

What does it mean to be a PHS member?
Peninsula Hospice Service is a legally incorporated body known as an association. As a member you entitled to participate fully in the activities of PHS. This includes nominating to be on the Board of Directors and voting at the Annual General Meetings. In addition we will provide you with the PHS Newsletter and updated information about PHS activities and fundraising events. Each year your membership is maintained by paying an annual subscription fee.

I'd like to stay up to date with information and events.
Call us at the office on 9783 6177 and we'll put you on our mailing list to receive our newsletter. Feel free to ring us anytime with questions.