University Palliative Medicine Unit
- Clinical Division of Oncology
- Contact
"Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families who are facing problems associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification, assessment, and treatment of pain and other physical, psychosocial, and spiritual problems. "
Univ.-Prof. PD Dr. Philipp Jost
In 2001, the first University-Based Palliative Care Institution (UPE) in Austria was established at the LKH-University Hospital Graz. It is affiliated with the Division of Oncology and operates under the leadership of Univ. Prof. Dr. Philipp J. Jost at the Department of Internal Medicine.
The UPE is the first palliative care institution in Austria and one of the first in the German-speaking region to have been designated, in 2009, as an “ESMO Designated Centre of Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care.” This designation means that physicians, registered nurses, and students from around the world can complete part of their training at this institution under the patronage of ESMO (European Society for Medical Oncology). Since January 2021, the UPE has also been a member of the “ESMO Designated Centres Working Group,” which, among other responsibilities, oversees the (re)certification of these centres. The UPE also played a leading role in the European Palliative Care Research Collaborative (EPCRC) as part of the European Union’s 6th Framework Programme.
Inpatient Ward
The palliative care unit offers 12 beds for patients with advanced, incurable illnesses. Admissions are reserved for patients experiencing acute physical symptoms and/or a disease-related psychosocial crisis who therefore require specialized palliative care. To ensure this level of care, the unit is staffed by an interdisciplinary team consisting of specialist physicians, registered nurses, social workers, psychologists, physiotherapists, and volunteer hospice staff.
We are here for you
+43 316 385-87792
palliativstation@uniklinikum.kages.at
Visiting hours: Mon–Sun, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Exceptions possible upon prior telephone arrangement.
Further information is available on the website of the Palliative Care Coordination Styria.
Palliative Care Consult Service
The Palliative Care Consult Service (PKD) consists of a multidisciplinary team including specialist physicians, registered nurses, and—when needed—social workers. It provides consultative support to all departments at the LKH-University Hospital Graz in addressing complex medical, nursing, and psychosocial issues related to palliative care patients.
In addition, the PKD is responsible for assessing and recommending patient transfers to the palliative care unit when appropriate.
We are here for you
Monday to Friday: 08:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
+43 316 385-31008
Further information is available on the website of the Palliative Care Coordination Styria.
Mobile Palliative Care Team
The Mobile Palliative Care Team Graz/Graz Surroundings is part of the University-Based Palliative Care Institution, affiliated with the Division of Oncology at the LKH – University Hospital Graz, and operates in cooperation with the Styrian Branch of the Austrian Red Cross.
The primary tasks of the staff of the Mobile Palliative Care Team are to provide the best possible relief of the diverse symptoms experienced by terminally ill and dying patients. They advise and support patients and their families at home and in care facilities.
The MPT is a multiprofessional team. It provides consultative and guiding services and offers expertise in medical, nursing, and psychosocial areas.
Physicians, nurses, and social workers work closely with general practitioners, home care providers, and nursing staff in private homes as well as in elderly and nursing homes to collaboratively find satisfactory answers and effective solutions to arising questions and problems.
Mobile palliative care teams can be contacted by all parties involved (patients, relatives, general practitioners, home care providers, nursing homes, etc.).
No fees are charged for the services of the Mobile Palliative Care Team. The costs are covered by the Health Fund of the State of Styria.
We are here for you
Monday to Friday: 08:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
+43 316 385-17062
mpt@uniklinikum.kages.at
Home visits
Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Palliative Care Research
As a university institution, the UPE is committed not only to patient care but also to student education and palliative care research.
Therefore, one of the UPE’s tasks is to conduct research projects in cooperation with international centers, alongside the training of students and physicians.
Contact
University-Based Palliative Care Institution
Affiliated with the Division of Oncology
University Clinic of Internal Medicine
Auenbruggerplatz 20, 8036 Graz, Austria
Phone: +43 316 385-17783
Email: palliativstation@uniklinikum.kages.at