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Palliative Care
612-873-4455

The goal of palliative care services 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 John Ely, MD, the service provides inpatient consultation, patient care, and educational services to both the patient and the patient’s family or caregivers.

The Journal of Palliative Medicine defines palliative care as comprehensive, interdisciplinary care that focuses primarily on improving the quality of life for patients living with a serious,
progressive, or terminal illness. Palliative care services provide
physical comfort and psychosocial support to both the patient
and the patient’s family.

Dr. John Ely

      John Ely, MD

At Hennepin County Medical Center, palliative care service is available to patients of any age, at any stage of serious, life-threatening or terminal illness. The palliative care team coordinates treatment with the patient’s primary care team to ensure continuity of care that includes comprehensive coordinated pain and symptom control, care of psychological and spiritual needs, and family support and assistance.