Pediatric Palliative Care

Compassionate Care at Baystate Children's Hospital

Families may wish to consider palliative care if their child is facing an illness that limits quality of life or significantly lowers the normal life expectancy.

Pediatric palliative care can ease the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illnesses, including:

• Cancer and blood disorders
• Cystic fibrosis
• HIV/AIDS
• Major organ failure
• Progressive genetic, neurologic, and metabolic disorders
• Severe cerebral palsy

Our team of compassionate, experienced caregivers will work closely with your family to determine the best way forward. Our goal is to improve quality of life for your child and your family.

Our Pediatric Palliative Care Services

At Baystate Children’s Hospital, we offer a Pediatric Palliative Care Program through Baystate Home Health and Hospice. Our pediatric palliative care services include:

• Case management
• Counseling
• Pain and symptom management
• Respite care (a temporary break from caring for your child)
• Social services
• Volunteer support

Palliative care, unlike hospice care, has no requirement for a six-month prognosis. Your child can receive ongoing palliative treatment for as long as necessary.

Referrals

Referrals are accepted by any member of a child's care team including:

• Parents/Caregivers
• Physicians
• Department of Public Health Care Coordinators
• Hospitals/Any member of the health care team
• Early Intervention
• Schools
• Community agencies

For more information or to make a referral, please call or contact:
413-798-6411
280 Chestnut Street
Springfield, MA 01104
hospicereferral@baystatehealth.org