What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care brings comfort to hospital patients by providing specialized pain management medical treatment, alternative therapies, and personal attention. Unlike some forms of pain management, palliative care is often administered at the same time that a patient is undergoing a course of standard medical therapy.

Palliative Care Team

Brian Madden, MD  Medical Director	Rita Yokoyama, RN, MBA  Clinical Coordinator

The St. Vincent Medical Center Palliative Care team includes a Palliative Care physician, a Palliative Care nurse, Pastoral Care practitioners, Case Management and Social Workers. The team members work together to treat symptoms related to illness or therapy and address each patient's individual needs and concerns.

Supportive Care

Our Palliative Care Team takes time to help each patient decide on personal treatment goals and choose among treatment options. They can assist with hospital discharge planning and help arrange for palliative care after hospital discharge. The team also offers counseling for psychological and spiritual concerns.

Cooperative Treatment

Specialists on our Palliative Care Team collaborate with the patient's doctor to recommend treatments and assistance for symptoms like pain, nausea, and shortness of breath.

For more information about the St. Vincent Medical Center Palliative Care Program, please call (213) 207-5796 or page (213) 508-2594.