Stamford Health Launches New Palliative Care Program at Bennett Cancer Center

22 September 2023

Stamford Health has proudly announced the relaunch of its enhanced palliative care program, extending its services to all patients at the Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center. This initiative builds upon the existing palliative care offerings available to inpatients at Stamford Hospital. Crucial support for this program came from the Kanarek Family Foundation and Robin Bennett Kanarek, author of "Living Well with a Serious Illness: A Guide to Palliative Care for Mind, Body, and Spirit." Their generous donation facilitated the establishment of a dedicated palliative care consultation room within the Bennett Cancer Center and also funded educational initiatives for Stamford Health's healthcare partners.

Led by Dr. Sherry Ng, MD, the Medical Director of Palliative Care at Stamford Health, this program boasts a dedicated team of physicians and nurse practitioners, each with over two decades of experience. Their focus is on pain management, symptom relief, and providing support to patients dealing with serious illnesses at any stage, with the ultimate goal of enhancing their overall well-being during treatment and recovery.

Dr. Sherry Ng, Medical Director of Palliative Care at Stamford Health, explained, "Our highly skilled palliative care providers offer an additional layer of support to enhance the quality of life and assist patients in managing all aspects of living with a serious illness. Palliative care is an integral part of the patient experience, and our new program ensures that our patients receive comprehensive care, whether in an inpatient or outpatient setting."

The Stamford Health Palliative Care Program is tailored to cater to patients dealing with various forms of serious illnesses or injuries, including cancer survivors grappling with lingering symptoms or pain. It encompasses a broad range of supportive care services for Bennett Cancer Center patients, encompassing symptom relief, advanced care planning, and meaningful conversations about care objectives. Notably, the program includes a vital component spiritual care that addresses the emotional well-being of patients and their families.

Reverend ReBecca Sala, Stamford Health's Manager of Spiritual Care, emphasized the individualized nature of spiritual care, stating, "Spiritual care is a deeply personal journey for each individual. Every person deserves peace, healing, and support as they navigate their treatment. Our team of chaplains stands by all our patients, with a special focus on those in palliative care. Our mission is to enhance their mental, physical, and spiritual health."

Stamford Health collaborated with the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center to develop this new program, drawing on their expertise to ensure that the highest standards of palliative care are upheld.

 

Source: prnewswire.com