Palliative Care

Palliative care is specialized medical care for patients of any age living with serious illness. It focuses on enhancing quality of life for both patients and their families by addressing pain, symptoms, and the stress that accompanies serious health conditions. Our team of palliative care specialists collaborates closely with already-established care teams.

Palliative care is based on the needs of the patient, not on a specific stage of illness or prognosis. It can be provided alongside curative or aggressive treatments, which makes it distinct from hospice care.

Who can benefit from palliative care?

• Patients of any age with debilitating chronic diseases or life-threatening illnesses, at any stage of diagnosis.
• Patients with serious or life-threatening illnesses who are experiencing unresolved symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, constipation, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping.
• Patients with chronic conditions who frequently visit the hospital or emergency room due to complex symptoms, such as shortness of breath or nausea.
• Patients undergoing curative or aggressive treatments where managing side effects and symptoms could help them better tolerate ongoing care.

Referring to Baystate (for Healthcare Professionals)

Consider palliative care for patients with serious or life-threatening illnesses who:

• Have complex symptoms, such as pain, shortness of breath, nausea, constipation.
• Would benefit from a treatment plan that explores and incorporates the patient’s goals, hopes, spiritual beliefs, moral values and cultural practices.
• Are seeking curative and/or aggressive treatments that have significant side effects where symptom management could improve treatment tolerance.
• Need additional education and support—both for themselves and their families—about areas such as prognosis, treatment options, and unmet care needs.

Locations

Baystate Inpatient Palliative Care
759 Chestnut Street
Springfield, MA 01199
Phone: 413-794-3245
Fax: 413-794-4054

Baystate Community Palliative Care
280 Chestnut St
Springfield, MA 01104*
Phone: 413-795-0790

*This is an administrative address. The outpatient care takes place in the patient's home.

Baystate Cardiology - Springfield - Main Street
3300 Main Street, Suite 2A
Springfield, MA 01107
Phone: 413-794-2273
Fax: 413-794-7137

Baystate Franklin Medical Center
164 High Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
Phone: 413-773-0211