Palliative Care Services
"You made a very difficult and sad time a little easier. Thank you for respecting our wishes. As we continue in our healing process, we will rejoice knowing others in our situation will receive such compassionate and sincere service."
– From a letter sent by the family of a Palliative Care patient
When a loved one is facing a serious illness and no cure is possible or desired, you can find comfort and direction from the Palliative Care team at Providence Medical Center, Saint John Hospital and Providence Place.
Since its inception five years ago, our Palliative Care program has cared for more than 2,000 patients and their families. Our gentle approach to chronic illness and end-of-life care gives patients choices in their own care. We uphold their dignity and help them find meaning in life.
We've been so successful that other hospitals from around the country send their doctors and nurses to shadow our team.
To make the Palliative Care program even more effective, we are conducting ground-breaking research on end-of-life issues. Pat Dalrymple, R.N., A.R.N.P., C.H.P.N., nurse coordinator for the Palliative Care team, and Sarah Walters, R.N., A.R.N.P., C.H.P.N., have presented their research findings at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's annual conferences.
Helping Healing to Occur When A Cure Isn't PossibleWe understand the many types of suffering experienced by seriously ill patients and their families. Our interdisciplinary approach to your loved one's care focuses on:
- Relieving pain and managing symptoms
- Improving quality of life
- Assisting in challenging end-of-life issues
Once an attending physician refers a loved one to Palliative Care, we meet with the patient and family members to discuss the patient's medical condition and treatment goals. We'll spend a great deal of time answering your questions, alleviating fears and helping you understand what is happening.
What Sets Us ApartOne key factor that sets the Providence Saint John Palliative Care program apart from others in the region is its team approach. You'll benefit from the expertise of:
- Two doctors specially trained in hospice and palliative care.
- Nurses certified in providing end-of-life care.
- A social worker to help with family issues, counseling and financial concerns.
- A chaplain to focus on any spiritual issues.
- Health professionals to address your specific needs. These might include a psychologist, pharmacist, dietitian, occupational therapist and case manager.
Recommended Reading
Here are some books that may help family members of those facing a serious illness:
How Can I Help? by Ram Dass and Paul Gorman
Someone You Love Is Dying: How Do You Cope? by Charles A. Corr
A Good Death: Challenges, Choices and Care Options by Charles Meyer
Art of Dying by Patricia Weenolsen
Dying Well: Peace and Possibilities at the End of Life by Ira Byock
Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying by Maggie Callahan and Patricia Kelley
On Death and Dying by Elisabeth Kubler Ross
In Search of Stones: A Pilgrimage of Faith, Reason, and Discovery by M. Scott Peck
Praying Through Grief: Healing Prayer Services for Those Who Mourn by Mauryeen O'Brien
Ritual: Power, Healing, and Community by Malidoma Patrice Some
Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now by Maya Angelou
You'll find peace of mind from the caring and compassionate Palliative Care team at Providence, Saint John and Providence Place. For more information on Palliative Care, call 913-596-4660.
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