With the development of Paediatric Palliative care as a growing specialty within Queensland, there has been an opportunity for innovative nurse practitioner led care within the public and private sector.

The Paediatric Palliative Care Service based at the Queensland Children’s Hospital and Hummingbird House, the only children’s hospice in Queensland, work closely together to provide seamless, specialist palliative care to children and adolescents. Across both services, three Nurse Practitioners coordinate and deliver care within the hospital, hospice and community. They support children and their families to die in their place of choice, as well as supporting children with life limiting conditions to live their best possible life. Using a case study as an example of this collaboration, the Nurse Practitioners from each service will showcase the specialty of Paediatric Palliative Care, best practice, as well as highlighting strength-based nursing care through the Nurse Practitioner model. 

This innovative Nurse Practitioner service works in collaboration with Palliative care medical specialists and an inter professional team to not only support families across Queensland but to promote the role of the Nurse Practitioner.