Hospice of Charleston will now offer palliative care consultations. Below are frequently asked questions regarding this new service.

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What is palliative care?

Palliative care is specialized care for people who are living with an advanced disease. The goal is to provide the best quality of life for patients by ensuring their comfort and dignity. It focuses on the whole person and includes expert medical care, symptom and pain management, as well as emotional and spiritual support.

What type of patient benefits from palliative care?

Any patient in the hospital who has a serious illness with an unpredictable prognosis such as advanced dementia, lung, heart, kidney disease or cancer can benefit from many aspects of palliative care. Palliative care is best introduced early in the course of treatment but it can help patients in all stages of an illness.

Who provides palliative care?

The two medical directors of Hospice of Charleston, Drs. Angus Baker and R. Scott Lake, are board-certified physicians in hospice and palliative care. They work with a hospital team of trained healthcare professionals who have clinical expertise in disease process, treatment options, symptom management and spiritual care.

Where is this service provided?

Drs. Baker and Lake are currently providing this consultation service in conjunction with clinical teams at Roper Hospital, Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, Trident Regional Medical Center and East Cooper Regional Medical Center.

How does palliative care begin?

If you or your family member is in the hospital with a serious illness with an unpredictable prognosis, we encourage you to discuss your individual care plan with your doctor. You and your doctor should discuss palliative care and whether it may be appropriate for your situation. If so, a consultation will be placed to the palliative care team. Your primary care doctor will continue to direct your care while the palliative care team will provide additional support and expertise.

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If you wish to learn more about these services please contact your hospital case manager or call our palliative care coordinator at (843) 266-3461 or (843) 529-3100.