Palliative Care at MarinHealth Medical Center

Palliative care provides numerous benefits for hospitalized patients, particularly those with serious, chronic, life limiting, or life-threatening illness. Patients with a serious illness may be burdened by pain or other symptoms and find themselves facing difficult decisions regarding their treatment. MarinHealth’s inpatient palliative care team helps patients and families navigate this complex decision-making process. We provide expert symptom management, with a focus on alleviating pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, and other complications, in conjunction with curative interventions in order to enhance the patient's quality of life.

MarinHealth’s inpatient palliative care team includes a physician, nurse practitioners, a licensed clinical social worker, and spiritual care counselors. Together, our team ensures that physical, emotional, and psychological needs are addressed, leading to a more comfortable and dignified hospital experience.

The team supports better communication between patients, their families, and healthcare providers, and works with providers to assure that patients and their families make informed healthcare decisions. This can be especially important in the hospital setting, where complex medical decisions often need to be made quickly. Our inpatient palliative care specialists facilitate discussions about treatment options, patient goals, and advance care planning. This approach ensures that medical care aligns with the patient's values, and preferences.

Palliative care can also help reduce hospital stays and readmissions by addressing the underlying issues contributing to frequent hospitalizations. By managing symptoms effectively, palliative care can prevent complications and improve overall health outcomes. Once a patient leaves the hospital, they can continue to receive palliative care services through the MarinHealth Supportive Care Center.

When Should a Hospitalized Patient Be Referred to Palliative Care?

• If the patient has repeated hospitalizations, declining health, or is having setbacks in their recovery from serious illness.
• When the current treatment plan seems inconsistent with the patient’s goals, or the patient refuses treatment due to concerns about how it will affect their quality of life.
• When guidance is requested with complex healthcare decisions for issues such as dialysis, feeding tubes, or other invasive procedures.

Who Can Make a Palliative Care Referral?
Anyone can request a consult by asking the patient’s physician.
For questions or more information, please contact the Inpatient Palliative Care office, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at 415-925-7560.