Palliative Care Consult Service

Our team helps ensure that you receive the highest level of coordinated care possible during your serious illness.

Shown, from L to R:
Lynn Wilkinson, MD
Angela DeMasi, RN
Kristin Burdick, MD
Carolyn Herz, Spiritual Care Coordinator

Coordinated, Compassionate Care for Seriously Ill Patients

Facing a serious illness can be a physical and emotional challenge. Palliative care at CVMC is designed to assist you and your family through this difficult time.

We help you make informed decisions about your medical care by providing information, compassion and support. Palliative care helps ensure that patients receive the highest level of coordinated care possible.

"The palliative care service at CVMC enhances quality of life by relieving pain and other physical, psychological, and spiritual symptoms in the population of patients who have advanced illness. They assist patients and families with complicated medical decisions around the goals of a patient’s care."

~ Dr. Kristin Burdick

Improving Patient Care

The palliative care approach is offered by leading medical centers across the country. Studies show that palliative care programs improve clinical outcomes, decrease the amount of time you spend in the intensive care unit, reduce the total length of your hospital stay and ease patient transitions between care settings.

Our Services

A full range of palliative care services help you and your family:

• Manage pain and other symptoms throughout your hospitalization  
• Manage anxiety, depression and other emotions that can affect your health
• Develop and share your overall care goals
• Learn about medical treatments and their impact on your long-term health
• Receive clear, ongoing communication from your care team
• Make informed healthcare decisions

Palliative care services are available at any time after diagnosis of a serious illness and can be used while receiving curative treatment.

A Dedicated Team

Palliative care at CVMC is provided by a team and is offered in addition to other appropriate forms of medical treatment. Our palliative care team includes specially trained physicians and nurses, a spiritual care provider and other specialists who work together with the rest of your medical team to maximize your quality of life at all stages of your illness.

The hallmarks of palliative care – communication and coordination – combined with excellent medical attention – enable you to optimize your quality of life.

Our team will work with you so that your care is coordinated between the hospital and other care providers.

How to Request a Consultation

Tell your doctor that you would like the palliative care team to provide a consultation. A meeting will then be arranged with you, your family and the palliative care team during your hospital stay.