Palliative care focuses on the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people facing a serious illness, all the while assuring comfort, dignity and quality of life. Palliative care is provided simultaneously with all other medical treatments.

A professionally trained team of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, and chaplains stand with patients as they seek the answers to some of life's toughest questions. Specialized care includes:

• Relief of pain and symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, breathlessness, depression and anxiety
• Respect for each patient’s values and personal choices
• Assistance and support in making difficult medical decisions
• Help in ensuring patients are as comfortable and active as possible
• Coordination of care and treatment among doctors at all stages of illness
• Identifying services to support patients and families after leaving O’Connor Hospital

For patients, families and loved ones, we have a PDF of the Palliative Care brochure that can be downloaded.