Palliative care is a vital part of the support we offer to individuals and families affected by life-limiting illness. It focuses on improving quality of life by preventing and relieving suffering—physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually.
It involves:
- Relief from pain and distressing symptoms
- Psychological and spiritual support
- Helping patients live actively until death
- Supporting families during illness and bereavement
- A team-based approach to care
- Affirming life and recognising dying as a natural process
- Neither hastening nor postponing death
- Being relevant throughout illness, alongside treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, medication, or renal therapy
Palliative care is delivered by a wide range of health and social care professionals in the community, care homes, and hospitals. For complex needs, specialist advice may be required.
We are here to provide compassionate, person-centred care that respects dignity and supports wellbeing at every stage.
Getting Help When You Need It
We offer a dedicated Palliative Care Line for patients with palliative care needs. This service is designed to provide rapid support and advice outside normal working hours.
When to call the Palliative Care Line
Use this number if you experience any of the following outside normal working hours:
- Severe pain or pain that does not settle with two doses of breakthrough medication
- Nausea, vomiting, or other distressing symptoms that do not settle with prescribed medication
- If you or your carer become unduly distressed or have difficulty coping
- Sudden, unexpected deterioration in your condition (e.g. breathlessness)
What happens when you call
- Your details will be taken and passed to the district nursing service
- You may be contacted by a nurse or doctor, who will assess your problem and advise on treatment
- The team can alter pain medication, help relieve troublesome symptoms, and offer advice for carers
- They may contact other professionals, request special equipment, and ensure important information is shared with your care team
Who is the service for?
This line is for patients with palliative care needs in Forth Valley. It operates:
- Evenings and overnight (6pm–8am)
- Weekends and public holidays (24 hours)
Contact Numbers
- Out of hours Palliative Care Line: 01324 567415 (Monday – Friday: 6pm–8am, Saturday – Sunday & Public Holidays: 24 hours)
- NHS 24: 111
- During normal working hours (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm): Contact your own GP practice or district nurse
