 Palliative
Care
The Palliative Care Program at St. Mary's Healthcare System for Children helps
those with life-threatening and/or life-limiting illnesses and their families
find better ways to manage their physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual
pain. A 2004 recipient of the prestigious Circle of Life Award from the American
Hospital Association, St. Mary's has been recognized nationally for its excellence
in palliative care. Utilizing a comprehensive, family-centered approach complete
with bilingual support, an interdisciplinary team of expert healthcare professionals
establishes a plan of compassionate interventions designed to alleviate suffering,
relieve pain, improve quality-of-life, and treat the symptoms associated with
illness.
Programs and Services We Offer
The first program of its kind in the nation, St. Mary's Palliative Care Program
combines complementary care, medical care, and a variety of therapies into an
integrative treatment plan. This enhances the process of healing, maximizes the
effects of all therapies, promotes greater comfort, diminishes symptoms associated
with disease progression, manages pain, and reduces stress and spiritual suffering.
Adapting to each child and family's specific needs, our care delivery includes
combinations of pain medications, rehabilitative therapies, and relaxation energy
modalities such as acupuncture and Reiki, which enhance the body's innate healing
abilities. Services include:
Psychological and Spiritual Support
Available in all settings—inpatient and in the home—pastoral
care, bereavement counseling, psychological, and social work services are tightly
interwoven into the Palliative Care Program. Families of very sick children are
also encouraged to reach out and support one another, under the supervision of
our professionals.
End-of-Life Care
When death becomes imminent, our professionals assist the child and family
in crafting a peaceful dying plan, one that surrounds the child with signs of
unconditional love: family, friends, pets, toys, and meaningful belongings.
For more information about our palliative care program
or to make a referral, please contact:
Telephone: (718) 281-8750
Fax: (718) 631-7874
info@stmaryskids.org
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