Compassionate Care

The first program of its kind in the nation, St. Mary’s compassionate care program has one goal: To minimize discomfort—and maximize the quality of life—for children with a life-altering or life limiting illness.

Our Compassionate Care Program prioritizes comfort and quality of life for the child and his/her family through a multidisciplinary 4 level pathway with designated Compassionate Care Pals.   It typically starts as soon as a diagnosis is confirmed and usually at the same time treatment begins.

What is Compassionate Care?

It is specialized care for our patients with serious, long-term health conditions. It provides our patients with solutions for their illness’s pain, symptoms, and stress. It also applies to the treatment provided to manage their disease. Compassionate Care program services can take place at the same time your child is undergoing curative treatment for their illness and doesn’t depend on the stage of your child’s illness.

Our Compassionate Care Program offers Complementary Care services, providing a range of modalities that complement or enhance the care your child is receiving. Complementary care supports the body, mind, and spirit to aid in recovery, promote health, manage pain, and reduce stress. A variety of healing techniques, such as Reiki, Nurturing Touch, Massage Therapy, and Aromatherapy, are available to children and their families.

These services are delivered by an integrated, caring team that includes experienced professionals in medicine, nursing, social work, psychology, rehabilitation, nutrition, chaplaincy, therapeutic activities, and trained doula volunteers.

Our compassionate care team is there to offer support throughout your child’s stay, and when needed, assist with end-of-life preparations, remembrance rituals, and processing grief.