FAQ

SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PENINSULA HOSPICE SERVICE (PHS)
 
Is PHS part of another Service?
No. PHS is an incorporated not-for-profit association that was established by the community in 1984 in response to community needs for home-based palliative care. PHS has a voluntary community-based Board of Directors and receives most of its funding from the Department of Human Services. Additional funding comes from fundraising activities conducted by auxiliaries and from donations from clients’ families and other supporters.
 
Who does PHS support?
All residents within the Mornington Peninsula Shire, City of Frankston and parts of the City of Kingston (south of Mordialloc Creek) who are living at home with a terminal illness, as well as their families and carers.
 
How does someone access the support of PHS?

  • By phoning PHS on 9783 6177
  • People may self refer
  • Doctors and/or other health care providers can refer
  • Family and friends can contact PHS with enquiries but PHS will have to obtain the permission of the person before PHS can arrange a visit
  • 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
  • PHS office hours are 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. At other times callers may leave a message or be transferred to the Royal District Nursing Service’s after hours call centre.

 
What happens when someone seeks help from PHS?
Very soon after a referral is received, the person will be contacted by a PHS Intake/Assessment Palliative Care nurse who will arrange to visit them at home to discuss their needs and those of their family and carers. If PHS services are required, a Care Plan will be offered and the visiting Intake/Assessment nurse will arrange the necessary help from PHS staff and volunteers. Assistance offered by PHS may include physical, emotional, spiritual and practical support through some or all of the following services:

 
What does it cost to access PHS services?
All PHS Allied Health Services and volunteer support is free of charge. Whilst PHS does not charge a fee for any palliative care services, RDNS (which provides nursing services under contract to PHS), is obliged to charge a small fee.
 
Does PHS only work with adults who have cancer?
No. PHS is open to all persons, of any age, gender or cultural background who live within our service area who have a terminal illness (which includes conditions other than cancer).
 
Do you have beds for clients?
No. Our clients are cared for in their own homes by our multidisciplinary team and volunteers. However, at times, some clients mayrequire respite care in hospital or at Peninsula Health’s Palliative Care Unit that is located in the same building as PHS at Building 6/125 Golf Links Road in Frankston.
 
How can I find out about volunteering with clients and families?
Call of Manager of Volunteers on 9783 6177. There is a formal training period conducted over several weeks and ongoing professional development activities are available.
 
How do I make a donation?
As a community-based agency, financial support from the community is vital with approximately 25 per cent of PHS funds coming from donations. These can be made by visiting our donations page, directly to PHS by cheque to PO Box 759 Frankston or call PHS on 9783 6177 to use your credit care over the phone.
All donations are receipted and are tax deductible.
 
How are donations used?
Donations are used to fund many aspects of client care services including welfare support and clinical programs such as support groups, volunteer programs, travel costs, bereavement groups and sometimes to purchase and/or hire equipment and medication on a special needs basis.

Contact PHS for more information.