Palliative Care

Palliative medicine focuses on aggressively managing symptoms of chronic illnesses while also attending to the psychosocial and spiritual needs of the patient and those who care for them. 

The Palliative Medicine program at Mary Washington Hospital consists of a consultation service which can be provided throughout the hospital.   Patients and physicians may use the Palliative Medicine team’s services for patients anywhere in the Hospital or may ask for a transfer to the palliative care unit. 

Palliative care is comprehensive treatment of the discomfort, symptoms and stress of serious illness. It does not replace your primary treatment; palliative care works together with the primary treatment you are receiving.  The purpose of palliative care is to address distressing symptoms such as pain, breathing difficulties or nausea, among others.  Receiving palliative care does not necessarily mean you are at end of life. The goal is to prevent and ease suffering and improve your quality of life.

Support services are available, including arrangements for medical equipment and supplies, medications for symptom management, practical and emotional support and access to a nurse 24 hours a day.   Art therapy, music therapy and massage therapy, as ordered by the doctor, are available through Mary Washington Hospice.