Program description: The Palliative Care Unit is a 31-bed unit providing 24-hour pain and symptom management in combination with emotional and spiritual support to patients with late or end-stage disease in need of palliative care. Applications for short term pain and symptom management may be considered. Goals of the program: An integrated, interdisciplinary holistic approach to care encourages a support network among patients, family, staff and volunteers. The focus of care is on pain and symptom management. Inclusion Adults aged 55 and older who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness requiring palliative care (24-hour pain and symptom control) Patient is medically stable (i.e. does not require acute care intervention) If patient smokes, is able to do so safely and make own arrangements Patient and power of attorney/substitute decision maker will understand and accept the philosophy of palliative care and reason for admission. Expected prognosis of 90 days of less Should the patient’s condition/care needs stabilize, the patient or substitute decision maker is expected to cooperate in discharge planning to transition to an appropriate destination Exclusion Dialysis Mechanical ventilation Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) Cuffed Tracheostomy Tube Needs greater than 50% Oxygen Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) Bariatric equipment needs (300lbs +) Patients requesting resuscitation Patients seeking life-prolonging active intervention/treatment Application Process: An application can be sent by the patient’s health care team in acute care through the Resource Matching and Referral (RMR) system or via fax: 416-785-2471. For fax referrals, please use the Palliative Care Common Referral form. Applications are reviewed by the palliative care team for appropriateness. Click to print or download The Shirley and Philip Granovsky Palliative Care Unit brochure.Information for Professionals Completing Applications to Palliative Care: Get more information about Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) in the hospital. The professional completing the application for Palliative Care must identify when a referred patient has requested MAID with details on the status of the request. Patients who meet the admission criteria for Baycrest Palliative Care Unit may be admitted to Baycrest hospital and will be supported with exceptional palliative care. However, the referring professional must inform the patient that Baycrest Hospital does not provide MAID and will support a transfer to an external location for the administration of MAID. Palliative Care Unit (PCU) Admission FAQs Can I be admitted if I have a feeding tube? Yes. Having a feeding tube does not prevent admission. We support the use of feeding tubes on a case-by-case basis, considering your goals of care, prognosis, and the risks and benefits involved. Can I receive antibiotics (by mouth or IV)? Yes. Antibiotics (oral or IV) can be provided if they align with your care goals and after a careful discussion of potential risks and benefits. We tailor treatments to support your comfort and wishes. Can I have blood work done while admitted? Yes. Blood work can be arranged when it is necessary for your care and consistent with your goals. For example, people taking warfarin require regular blood tests to monitor this medication. Each decision is made individually, keeping your comfort and preferences at the center. Can I have a PICC line or other intravenous access? Yes. We are able to support patients with PICC lines and other intravenous access for symptom management or ongoing treatments as needed. Can the unit manage my tracheostomy? Yes. The unit is equipped to manage tracheostomies when they align with patient-centered goals, such as maintaining airway patency, reducing respiratory distress or facilitating communication. Can I receive blood transfusions while in PCU? Yes. Blood transfusions can be considered when they align with your care goals and are likely to provide symptom relief. The decision to transfuse is made on a case-by-case basis, weighing potential benefits against possible risks and your overall prognosis. We will discuss your individual needs and preferences with you and your family before proceeding. Can I receive physiotherapy (PT) or occupational therapy (OT)? Yes. PT and OT assessments can be requested to help maintain or improve your quality of life, mobility and comfort, as appropriate to your needs. Can I receive fluids through under the skin infusions? Yes. We can provide hydration (fluids) through subcutaneous infusions (under the skin) if you are unable to take enough fluids by mouth and if this is in line with your wishes and care goals. The decision to start or stop artificial hydration is made individually, weighing potential risks and benefits, and always involving you and your family in the discussion. Comfort and quality of life are our primary focus. Is prognosis a strict barrier to admission? No. While our admission criteria include an estimated prognosis of three months or less, we understand the uncertainty in estimating prognosis. Our primary goal is to support people with serious illness, and we approach each admission with compassion. However, if you are living with serious illness and have palliative care needs, you may not require the specialized services of the PCU. Many palliative care needs can be met in other settings, such as at home or in other care facilities, with the support of a palliative care team. We are happy to help you find the right level of care for your situation. Can discharge planning happen directly from the unit? Yes. Discharge planning can and does occur from the PCU. If your condition stabilizes or improves, or if your care needs or preferences change, our team will work with you, your family and community partners to develop a safe and appropriate discharge plan. This may include arranging for home care, transfer to another facility or ensuring you have the necessary supports and follow-up in place. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition, whether you remain in the PCU or are discharged to another setting. 1 / 4 2 / 4 3 / 4 4 / 4 ❮ ❯