The Palliative Care Program
Torrance Memorial Medical Center

Palliative Care improves the lives of patients and families facing serious illness.

Here's what you should know...

What is Palliative Care?

• Palliative Care is a specialty created to meet the needs of patients and families during serious, life-threatening illness.
• Palliative Care is available to patients at any stage of an illness that cannot be cured, even if they are receiving life-extending therapy.
• Patients who have serious or chronic illness, such as congestive heart failure, respiratory conditions, and advanced cancer may benefit from Palliative Care.

What does Palliative Care offer patients?
Working closely with your doctor, Palliative Care provides:

• Relief of pain and symptoms resulting from advancing illness
• Help in understanding treatment options
• Assistance with difficult healthcare decisions and healthcare goal setting
• Practical information about community resources and coping
• Help in navigating the healthcare system
• Emotional and spiritual support for the patient and family.

Our dedicated team evaluates the complex needs of those suffering from debilitating illness and responds with care that comforts.

The Palliative Care Team: Highly Trained Professionals
Members of the Palliative Care Team include:

• Medical Director: A physician skilled in treating pain and uncomfortable symptoms
• Palliative Care Nurse: A nurse trained in understanding the many needs of seriously ill patients and families
• Social Services: A healthcare professional who assists in meeting the social and emotional needs of patients and families.

Other professionals are available, as needed:

• Pharmacist: A pharmacist who is experienced in all areas of medications used to manage symptoms
• Chaplain: Visits are arranged, by request of a patient or family member, to address any spiritual needs
• Dietitian: A professional who understands how to meet a patient’s nutritional needs during illness

Is Palliative Care the same as Hospice?

No, hospice is frequently provided at home during the final stage of illness. Palliative Care is appropriate during any stage of serious illness.

“We always remember that every patient also is somebody’s grandfather, mother or best friend,” says Catherine Bannerman, MD, medical director, Palliative Care Program, Torrance Memorial Medical Center.

Can I donate to the Palliative Care Program?

Contributions to support the Palliative Care Program are appreciated. To make a donation, please contact the Torrance Memorial Health Care Foundation at 310-517-4703.

The goal of the Palliative Care Program is to help ensure patients have peace, dignity and relief from suffering in the face of life-threatening illness.

Palliative Care is a special kind of care that helps patients have a better quality of life.