The Hindu Business Line : SUT Hospital sets up palliative care clinic

THE SUT Institute of Oncology, the cancer-care division of the Sree Uthradom Thirunal Super Speciality Hospital, has set up a pain and palliative care clinic for terminally ill patients.

To be inaugurated on Friday, the clinic will cater to the specific needs of patients in advanced stages of cancer and in need of special nursing. Psychological and spiritual care will also be offered.

A team of specially trained doctors, nursing staff and social workers will be available to help meet the complex medical, emotional and spiritual needs of very ill patients and their families, said Dr M. Krishnan Nair, Director, SUT Institute of Oncology.

The pain and palliative care clinic is not just another hospital ward; it encompasses a whole new approach in caring for the terminally ill, he added.

Home care services are also available for patients who prefer to spend their days at home receiving care in a familiar environment, surrounded by their loved ones.

The clinic will initially function from 2 to 3.30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays at the SUT Hospital, Pattom. The palliative care unit of SUT Rural General Hospital at suburban Vattappara will work from 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. on Wednesdays. The home care programme is available on all Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m.

A `Cancer Care Connect' programme has also been envisaged, which will accept contributions from voluntary organisations and the public.

A 35-cottage hospice, Palliative Care Village at Vattappara is also on the anvil.

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