Palliative Care in Hospitals

Have a conversation with your health-care team about your goals of care.

To transfer from the community to a Palliative Care Unit, speak with your health-care team or call the home and community care access line in your area for more information.

Hospitals that do not have a dedicated Palliative Care Unit can provide a palliative approach to care to anyone who desires it. Speak with your health-care team about your goals of care and let them know you would like to receive a palliative approach to care. 

Before leaving the hospital, your care team will connect you with a community care team to arrange the necessary services and support for a smooth transition. Be sure to discuss your goals and preferences with your care team, including whether you’d like to receive palliative or end-of-life care at home or in a hospice after discharge.

Based on your needs and situation, these services are available in hospital: 

• 24/7 access to nursing care
• 24/7 access to care aid support for personal care (i.e., bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring)
• 24/7 access to a doctor
• Medical tests, diagnoses and treatments
• Pain and symptom management (i.e., complex pain, nausea, anxiety, shortness of breath)
• Access to and/or help with taking prescribed medications 
• Allied health services (i.e., physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, etc.)
• Spiritual care services
• Grief/bereavement support
• Meals 
• Referrals to community or hospice services
• Transition planning
• Care plans that are aligned with your goals, or your religious or cultural preferences

Note: Hospital teams will strive to provide private rooms and flexible visiting hours whenever possible. However, there may be times when a private room or extended visiting hours are not available.