Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. This type of care is focused on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness - whatever the diagnosis. 
 
The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family. Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses, and other specialists who work with a patient's other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. Palliative care is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness, and can be provided together with curative treatment. Definition in 2011 by the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC)

Please view the PDF document entitled "A Vision for Better Care at the End of Life" for more information about palliative care.

 

Hospital-based (Inpatient) Palliative Care Programs

• The Queen's Medical Center - 808-547-4726
• Kaiser Foundation Hospital - 808-432-7100
• Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children - 808-983-8676
• Straub Hospital and Clinic - 808-522-4000 (ask for palliative care consult)

Community-Based (Outpatient) Palliative Care Programs

• Kaiser Foundation Hospital - 808-432-7100
• HMSA Integrated Case Management Services (ICMS) - 808-948-5711 or 800-365-7665
• St. Francis Hospice Palliative Care Consult Service - 808-547-8068
• Kokua Kalihi Valley Home-Based Palliative Care Services 791-9410 (Kalihi Valley residents)

For more information: Palliative Care Resources for Hawai‘i compiled by Kokua Mau