Palliative Care refers to the special care given to patients and their families who suffer with chronic or life threatening illness. It recognizes that people living with serious illness may need expert symptom management as well as spiritual and emotional support. Comfort and quality of life are key aspects of this care. Although palliative care has traditionally been offered to the dying, we extend our service to those receiving curative therapies as well.
The Palliative Care team at St. John includes:
- A board certified physician with training in intensive, palliative and hospice care
- A nurse with advanced training in life-threatening illness who facilitates understanding of the disease process and promotes informed choices
- A social worker with advanced training in counseling patients and family members about interpersonal issues, lifestyle changes and hospital discharge planning
- A chaplain or other member of the pastoral care team who offers spiritual and emotional support according to the individual’s needs
- A pharmacist with expertise in pain and symptom management
- A registered dietician who serves as a resource for nutritional considerations in the patient plan of care
Currently this service is offered only to inpatients and in collaboration with the patient’s primary care physician.
Meet the Team
