Calvary North Adelaide Hospital
Palliative care services
Palliative care is a compassionate, patient and person-centred approach for individuals living with progressive, life-limiting illnesses. It's primary goal is to enhance quality of life by addressing a wide range of symptoms that may arise, including physical discomfort, emotional challenges and spiritual concerns.
Palliative care can be integrated at any stage of an illness, offering comfort and support from the moment a life limiting illness is diagnosed.
Choosing palliative care means opting for a holistic approach that prioritises your needs and enhances your quality of life, ensuring you receive compassionate support every step of the way.
A key focus for our palliative care service is providing increased choice for patients to choose the location of their care (hospice or home).
Our services
Both our hospice and our Home Care services are generously supported by The Mary Potter Foundation.
Hospice care
For patients whose care needs require specialist palliative care management.
Care at home
The clinical care you need in the comfort of your own home.
Our patient stories
Hear from patients and families about how palliative care has supported them through life-limiting illness with dignity and comfort.
Our patient stories
Hear from patients and families about how palliative care has supported them through life-limiting illness with dignity and comfort.
Ground floor, Calvary North Adelaide Hospital
Mary Potter Hospice
While palliative care encompasses a range of support options, Mary Potter Hospice focuses on individuals who require end-of-life care.
Established in 1976, Mary Potter Hospice has an exceptional reputation in palliative care, made possible by the skilled and dedicated services provided by all staff and volunteers.
Admissions and eligibility
Admission to Mary Potter Hospice is for patients diagnosed with a life limiting illness whose care needs require specialist palliative care management.
A patient must have private health insurance and a referral from a general practitioner or specialist to be considered for admission.
Palliative care at home
Experienced palliative care clinicians provide your individualised care requirements with skill and empathy in your own home.
Our nurses work with patients and their carers to assess and develop an appropriate care plan, and will liaise with other health practitioners including their GP and medical specialists. This will be facilitated by exploring and optimising the use of home-based and inpatient palliative care for those who wish to live the remainder of their life in the comfort and privacy of their own home.
The team works in close collaboration with The Mary Potter Hospice and Calvary North Adelaide Hospital clinicians to ensure patients receive the best care in the most suitable location whilst honouring their desires and in consideration of their care needs. We strive to ensure a more seamless experience for patients as they transition between care environments.
How to access palliative care at home
The Calvary Palliative Home Care Service is funded through private health insurance.
Medical practitioners can refer patients to the Calvary Palliative Home Care Service using our referral form. Completed referral forms can be submitted in accordance with the instructions provided on the form.
For further information and discussion regarding clinical criteria for acceptance to this service, please contact the Calvary Palliative Home Care Service team directly.
National Palliative Care Week
Ask a specialist
For National Palliative Care Week 2026, we sat down with Kevin Hardy, Deputy Director of Clinical Services, Palliative Care, to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about palliative care, serious illness, and quality of life.
Drawing on his extensive clinical experience, Kevin shared expert insights into what palliative care is, when it should be considered, where it can be provided, and how it supports both patients and families through challenging times.
From addressing common fears and misconceptions to reflecting on the moments that have shaped his approach to care, Kevin offers practical guidance, compassion, and reassurance for patients, carers, and loved ones navigating complex health journeys. In this special conversation for National Palliative Care Week, he highlights the importance of early support, open communication, and person-centred care in helping people live as fully and comfortably as possible.