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Palliative Care -- Palliative Medicine Service at Hennepin
Business Office: (612) 873-4455
The goal of the Palliative Medicine Service at Hennepin County Medical Center is to relieve suffering and improve quality of life for patients with serious, progressive or terminal illness. Under the leadership of Jeffrey Rubins, MD, the service provides inpatient consultation, patient care, and educational services to both the patient and the patient’s family or caregivers.
WHAT IS PALLIATIVE CARE?
Palliative (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) care is the medical specialty focused on relief of the pain and other symptoms of serious, life-threatening illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for patients and their families. Palliative care is appropriate at any point in an illness. It can be provided at the same time as curative treatment. |
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Jeffrey Rubins, MD |
WHO CAN THE PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICE HELP?
Palliative Care provided at HCMC can offer you:
- Relief from symptoms including pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, numbness and problems with sleep
- Strength to carry on with daily life
- Improved ability to tolerate medical treatments
- Better understanding of your condition and your choices for medical care
WHO PROVIDES PALLIATIVE CARE?
The Palliative Care team at HCMC is made up of a team of highly-specialized physicians, nurse, psychologist, and chaplain who work with your medical team to improve your physical comfort, emotional and psychological health, and to meet your social and spiritual needs.
HOW DO WE START PALLIATIVE CARE?
You, a family member, or any healthcare professional working with you can ask your physician to ask the Palliative Medicine Service at Hennepin County Medical Center to see you.
PALLIATIVE CARE IS NOT THE SAME AS HOSPICE CARE.
Hospice care is meant for people in the final months of life. Non-hospice palliative care, on the other hand, is available to you at any time during your illness while you’re in the hospital. Unlike hospice, you can also receive palliative care at the same time as curative treatments.
AM I “GIVING UP” IF I WANT PALLIATIVE CARE?
Palliative Care does not take the place of other treatments or therapies you are receiving for your serious illness. You can receive Palliative Care in addition to other medical treatments that you and your primary providers have decided are right for you.
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