Palliative Care

Palliative Care in Oncology

Growing recognition of palliative care as an integral aspect of cancer treatment, with the ability to improve quality of life and prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and the use of health services, especially when instituted early in the course of disease, has prompted the development of a range of guidelines concerning palliative cancer care.

Inpatients and outpatients with advanced cancer should receive dedicated palliative care services, early in the disease course, concurrent with active treatment. Referral of patients to interdisciplinary palliative care teams is optimal, and services may complement existing programs. Providers may refer family and friend caregivers of patients with early or advanced cancer to palliative care services as listed below:

CCMB Palliative Care Referral Process

CancerCare Manitoba has developed algorithms, one for urgent situations and one for non-urgent patients, to highlight the required steps to consider when initiating a referral to a palliative care program.

Contact Us:

If you need assistance with coordinating palliative care for a cancer patient, please contact:

Helpline for Healthcare Professionals
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Call or text 204-226-2262

Palliative Care Services in Manitoba

Palliative care services are offered in each of Manitoba's Regional Health Authorities (RHAs). To identify Palliative Care resources in your community, contact your Regional Health Authority. Each region health authority has developed their own palliative care application referral form.

Manitoba Health's Palliative Care Drug Access Program provides deductible-free medication for patients with advanced life-limiting illnesses receiving palliative-oriented care.
An application is required and should be forwarded to your RHA Palliative Care Coordinator.

The WRHA Palliative Care Program is a resource to the province of Manitoba. Health professionals experienced in managing complex palliative care issues are available 24 hours a day for consultation with other health-care professionals to assist in the care of adults and children with life-limiting illness, and to support health-care teams involved in their care.

Health Authority - Palliative Care Contact Information		Phone Number
Winnipeg Regional Health Authority		204-237-2400
Southern Health - Santé Sud		204-388-2038
Interlake - Eastern Regional Health Authority		204-785-7756
Northern Regional Health Authority	Western Area	204-623-9661
Northern Regional Health Authority	Eastern Area	204-778-1450
Prairie-Mountain Health	Southwest Area (West of Hwy#10, South of Riding Mountain National Park)	204-764-4237
	Southeast Area (East of Hwy#10, South of Riding Mountain National Park)	204-578-2338
	Brandon Area	204-578-2340
	Northern Area (North of Riding Mountain National Park)	204-629-3006

Recommended On-line Palliative Care Resources:

Canadian Virtual Hospice - the Canadian Virtual Hospice (CVH) is an internationally recognized resource for people dealing with life-threatening illness and loss. The website has excellent resources for health care providers.
Palliative Manitoba is a Manitoba web site that contains information about palliative care topics, services in Winnipeg and Manitoba, and links to other palliative care organizations.