Pain & Palliative Care Department
The General Hospital Palliative Care department began in 2008 with the aim of providing specialized care to patients with life-limiting illnesses. In the years leading up to the establishment of the department, there was a growing recognition of the need for a dedicated team to address the unique needs of individuals facing serious illnesses. The concept of palliative care, which focuses on improving the quality of life for patients and their families, was gaining momentum globally. Currently, there are 37 divisions that receive homecare services. This means that 10,830 patients are receiving palliative care in their own homes.
Services:
- The outpatient department (OP) provides comprehensive care to our patients. The initial step involves the registration process, where the patient’s details are recorded accurately. During the consultation, the physician thoroughly reviews the patient’s medical history, taking into account any notes made by our trained staff.
- The primary and secondary teams visit patients in their homes five days a week to provide necessary care. This includes after-discharge care and the provision of comfort devices. The department has provided oxygen concentrators, BIPAP machines, CPAP machine, wheelchairs, airbeds, and walkers to patients in need.
- Weekly reviews are conducted by the department to monitor the progress of patients and ensure that they are receiving the appropriate care.
- There are also volunteers who help with the palliative care services and their reviews are also conducted to assess their contributions.
- This comprehensive approach to palliative care in the General Hospital Ernakulam has provided much-needed support to patients in their homes, ensuring their comfort and well-being.
- The provision of comfort devices and regular reviews by healthcare professionals and volunteers greatly enhances the quality of life for these patients
In addition to the palliative care services provided by the palliative care unit, the department also conducts various training programs and awareness classes. The department offers three courses:
- BCCPN (Basic Certificate Course in Palliative Nursing)
- BCCPM (Basic Certificate Course in Palliative Medicine)
- BCCPAN (Basic Certificate Course in Palliative Auxiliary Nursing)
These courses are designed to provide specific training and education to individuals interested in working in the field of palliative care. These courses aim to equip professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide comprehensive care to patients. Furthermore, the department conducts a 10-day training program for doctors and volunteers. This program is aimed at enhancing the understanding and skills of healthcare professionals and volunteers who wish to contribute to palliative care. The training covers various aspects of palliative care, including pain management, symptom control, communication, and psychosocial support.
Additionally, the department conducts awareness classes to educate the public about the importance and benefits of palliative care. These classes aim to create awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding palliative care, promoting its acceptance and utilization in the community. Through these training programs and awareness classes, the department is working towards building a skilled workforce and creating a supportive environment for palliative care in the community .The palliative care department has a dedicated team of healthcare professionals to ensure the provision of comprehensive care to patients. The team consists of 1 Medical Officer, 6 Staff Nurses, and Community Nurse. Pharmacist, Data Entry Operator and a cleaning staff.