Providing excellent care at all stages of life is central to our vision at Central Baptist Hospital. Our palliative care program is devoted to providing family-centered care to those with life-limiting illness who are experiencing uncontrolled symptoms, regardless if the goal of therapy is curative, disease modifying or comfort.

The word "palliative" (pronounced "PAL-ee-uh-tihv") comes from the word "palliate," which means "to ease or comfort." Palliative care differs from hospice care. Unlike hospice, palliative care is intended for patients with life-limiting illnesses, not just those with imminently terminal conditions.

The purpose of the palliative care program is to help patients experiencing serious life-limiting illness and their families through the course of their disease. Palliative care focuses on controlling the symptoms of the illness, while enhancing comfort and quality of life. We encourage patients and their families to actively participate in identifying their needs and developing the plan of care to meet those needs.

Our experienced palliative care team consists of a Palliative Medicine physician, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, social worker, nurse and chaplain working in collaboration with the patient’s physician and hospital staff. Together, the team provides aggressive symptom management, supportive care and education to assist patients and their families.

The palliative care unit is a dedicated 10-bed unit that is part of 5 Main. The 5 Main nurses and staff have specific training in palliative care in addition to their core discipline training. However, the palliative care team can be consulted for patients anywhere in the hospital regardless of location.

To find out more about palliative care at Central Baptist, call (859) 260-6598.