Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Palliative Care Services

Overview of Programs and Services

Age groups served

• Adults

More Details

Most people when they hear “palliative care” think of end-of-life care. Although palliative care can be part of end-of-life care, for many patients – especially those with chronic disease or injury – palliative care can begin years before. In fact, several studies have shown that patients who access palliative care services earlier tend to live longer and have a better quality of life.

It might be more useful to think of palliative care as another layer of care on top of their treatment plan that helps them live the best that they can for as long as they do.

At the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, palliative care is offered as both an outpatient and inpatient clinic through the Regional Cancer Program. Cancer patients referred to the program work with the palliative care team for services such as symptom and pain management, assessments, and in some cases alternative treatment options. The team works with the patient’s oncologist, family doctor, and other healthcare professionals to ensure consistency and continuity of care.