Pediatric Palliative Care
Compassionate Care at Baystate Children's Hospital
Pediatric palliative care provides specialized medical care to pediatric patients living with serious illnesses or life-limiting conditions. Our focus is on enhancing each patient’s quality of life from the time of diagnosis onward, while offering comprehensive psychological, social, and spiritual support to patients, families, and caregivers as they navigate care decisions and plans.
Our pediatric palliative care specialists work closely with established care teams to provide an additional layer of individualized support. Patients can receive palliative care alongside curative, life-extending, and symptom-focused treatments. Baystate Health is proud to be part of the State of Massachusetts Pediatric Palliative Care Network (PPCN) and offers both inpatient and outpatient care.
Our Pediatric Palliative Care Services
Our Baystate Pediatric Palliative Care services are provided at no cost to children 22 years old and younger. Referrals are received from hospitals, pediatricians, specialized pediatricians, and even family members. Our pediatric palliative care services include:
- Case management
- Medical social services and resources
- Spiritual Care Counseling
- Child Life Specialists
- Pain and symptom management
- Respite care (a temporary break for caregivers)
- Massage therapy
- Music therapy
- Volunteer support
Outpatient Pediatric Palliative Care
Our outpatient services enhance quality of life for both the patient and their entire family and caregivers through a range of services, including music therapy, child life specialists, and spiritual care counseling. Our team works collaboratively with area agencies and resources to enhance support and services for the patient and family. Additionally, our team works with schools to advocate for Individual Education Plans (IEPs), health plans, early intervention, and other essential school-based services to ensure children receive the support they need in educational settings.
Our office hours are 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday. We can be contacted at:
280 Chestnut Street
Springfield, MA 01104
Phone: 413-798-6411
Fax: 888-207-3187
Inpatient Pediatric Palliative Care
Inpatient services provide essential support to children and their families with new diagnoses, injuries, or hospitalizations that can be life altering or life limiting. Our team also provides medical and emotional care for prenatal and NICU patients and their families. This includes guidance on care plans and medical options, as well as fostering emotional connection and preparedness through meaningful experiences.
Referrals
Referrals are accepted by any member of a child's care team including:
- Parents or caregivers
- Physicians
- Department of Public Health Care Coordinators
- Hospitals or any member of the health care team
- Early Intervention
- Schools
- Community agencies
For more information or to make a referral, please call or contact:
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