Palliative Medicine

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is given to optimise the quality of life and relieve suffering among patients with life limiting illnesses at any stage of their disease. It is a holistic medical caregiving approach that does not just address the disease, but also the patient as a whole. Beacon’s Hospital palliative care team believes that every patient deserves a dignified, compassionate, and comfortable journey no matter which stage of the disease they are at. It is our goal to improve comfort and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Contrary to popular belief, palliative care is not just for those with a terminal illness. In actual fact, it is available for patients at any point along the cancer care continuum, from diagnosis to end of life. With a well-established palliative team equipped with a team of palliative care doctors, nurses and other specialists who will work closely with the patients and their loved ones, together we discuss and create a one-of-a-kind approach that includes what matters most to each patient, whether the palliative care will be given in hospital or even at home.

How can one benefit from palliative care?

Our integrated palliative care includes various aspects to help patients live life to the fullest. They include:

• Physical support to alleviate physical symptoms such as pain, vomiting, shortness of breath, nausea, etc
• Emotional support to bring psychological comfort and reassurance
• Spiritual support to help patients cope better and meet their spiritual needs
• Caregiver support to relieve the burden of families and friends in caring for their loved ones
• Practical support to assist with financial and legal worries as well as insurance inquiries