The goal of Palliative Care is to provide excellent, compassionate care to patients with serious illness, to help relieve uncontrolled symptoms and promote dignity throughout their course of illness along with providing support to their loved ones.
Palliative Care is an advanced symptom support service for patients who are currently admitted to Wheeling Hospital for medical care. The purpose is to bring a patient’s symptoms to a more tolerable level during their admission.
Symptoms can include:
- Constipation/diarrhea
- Dry/sore mouth
- Itching
- Nausea/vomiting
- Pain
- Poor appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness/fatigue
The team consists of a physician, nurse practitioner and registered nurse who consult with other physicians, pharmacists, social workers, and pastoral care to provide a team approach treatment plan.
It is important for patients to discuss their understanding of what the physicians are telling them about their current medical condition, disease process and treatment options. Our goal is to collaborate with patients and their families in order to come up with a treatment plan that improves a variety of symptoms and, in turn, improves their quality of life. Patients can still be seeking curative treatments for their illness, unlike with hospice. Anyone with any serious illness diagnosis can benefit from Palliative Care/Symptom Support.
We strive to assist with communication so that patients and their families have the information they need to make informed decisions regarding their care. As part of our discussions regarding a patient’s goals of care, we can outline and assist with completion of Advance Directives, which include (MPOA) Medical Power of Attorney and/or Living Will.
Our focus is on improving quality of life regardless of where you are in the course of your illness.
For more information, call 304-242-9285.