When a person is in the last days of life, small acts of compassion can make a profound difference for them, and their family.
The Orange Heart Project is a simple initiative designed to enhance dignity, sensitivity and respectful care for people who are imminently dying in hospital.
Developed by the Gippsland Region Palliative Care Consortium (GRPCC), the project uses the Palliative Care Australia Orange Heart symbol as a discreet visual cue on a patient's door to indicate that they are receiving end-of-life care.
The symbol acts as a ‘pause point’, helping staff, visitors and support services recognise that a patient is nearing the end of life and prompting them to consider how they enter and interact within the space. It encourages a quieter, more respectful environment, minimises unnecessary interruptions, and helps ensure the needs of patients and families remain at the centre of care.
Importantly, the Orange Heart Project is not about restricting access. Rather, it creates a shared awareness across multidisciplinary teams and hospital services, supporting compassionate communication and thoughtful care during a significant and often emotional time.
Early feedback from health services implementing the initiative has highlighted benefits including:
- increased staff awareness
- improved privacy for patients and families
- reduced interruptions, and
- greater confidence among non-clinical staff in supporting people at the end of life.
At End-of-Life Essentials, we recognise that caring for people in the last days of life requires both clinical knowledge and compassionate practice. The Orange Heart Project offers a practical example of how simple initiatives can help create a more supportive environment for patients, families and healthcare teams.
Explore the Orange Heart Project resources and learn more about recognising and caring for people who are imminently dying in our free Imminent Death module in our Orientation to End-of-Life Care modules.