Miss Joy De Los Santos1, Joanne Culton1, Wendy Lim1, Roda Caguia1, Chang Liao1
1Alfred Health, Caulfield, Australia
Biography:
Joanne Culton is the Nurse Unit Manager of Ward ACG at Alfred Health Caulfield Hospital. Ward ACG is a subacute unit that provides specialised care for patients requiring rehabilitation, geriatric assessment, and complex discharge planning. Joanne oversees a multidisciplinary team of nurses and allied health professionals, ensuring high standards of clinical care and patient support. Her leadership promotes a collaborative and compassionate environment, where staff are empowered to deliver safe, person-centred care tailored to the unique needs of the ward’s patient cohort. Joanne is committed to continuous improvement and excellence in subacute nursing practice.
Abstract:
Background:
Providing compassionate end-of-life care in hospital settings is often challenged by fragmented resources and clinical demands. To address this, the Palliative Care Kit Trolley was developed at Alfred Health Caulfield Hospital Ward ACG. This mobile, organised unit supports patients’ physical, emotional, cultural, and spiritual needs at the bedside, promoting a more holistic and dignified experience.
Aim:
To deliver holistic, respectful, and culturally sensitive care to patients nearing the end of life through a thoughtfully curated mobile resource.
Methods:
Co-designed by nursing staff and trialled in the ACG ward, the trolley features a three-drawer system. The top drawer contains comfort and oral care items, including moisturisers and hygiene supplies. The middle drawer holds cultural and emotional support items, such as a ceramic tea set for family members and reusable ritual objects. The bottom drawer offers sensory tools like a CD player with calming music, essential oils with a diffuser, and tactile comfort items to ease anxiety and promote gentle engagement. A distinctive feature is the “Tree of Life” symbol, a reversible door sign for discreet communication. Green leaves indicate the patient is alive, maintaining privacy. Purple leaves signal the patient has passed, offering a respectful message during sensitive moments.
Results:
Staff feedback was gathered through surveys and informal interviews to assess usability and emotional impact. The initiative reinforces staff purpose, supports holistic care, and fosters team pride through a shared commitment to palliative care excellence.
Conclusion:
This practical, grassroots innovation embeds compassion into daily clinical practice. By integrating accessible tools and culturally sensitive resources, the Palliative Care Kit Trolley makes end-of-life care more equitable, respectful, and achievable in busy hospital environments.
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