Comfort and Compassion for Quality of Life

St. Charles Hospital's palliative care program helps patients manage the symptoms of serious illness and offers guidance and emotional support to better understand complex medical information and personal choices for medical care.

The hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification in Palliative Care.

Call 631-474-6797 for more information about our palliative care program.

Learn about the difference between palliative care and hospice care

Our Palliative Care Program

Pain and Symptom Management
Our board-certified physicians are experts in the management of pain and other distressing symptoms associated with illness or treatments, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping.

Family Meetings
An opportunity for the patient and family to share concerns, ask questions and provide information to help clarify the wishes of the patient for their care. Enhancing communication between patients, families and the health care team helps to ensure that individualized needs are being fully met. The goal of the palliative care team is to support the patient and their loved ones through this journey.

Support Services
The diagnosis of a serious illness is a major life-changing event. Upon hearing the diagnosis, a patient, as well as loved ones, may be thrown into a whirlwind of emotions ranging from fear or anger to denial and overwhelming sadness. It is difficult enough to deal with the physical challenges of illness and treatment. But the emotional impact can be an even greater burden.

Patients and loved ones need to be able to share these feelings. Our specially trained social workers and pastoral care team members are here to listen and support you and your family. Support groups are also available to offer a confidential atmosphere where patients and families can share their fears and concerns with others experiencing a similar situation.

Palliative Care Outpatient Center
Palliative care can also be received at our outpatient center, which allows our team to address the varied needs of patients and their families earlier in the course of their illness. This support service specializes in managing symptoms associated with illness and/or treatments while also addressing any social, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs.

Our experienced palliative care team helps patients facing serious illnesses manage symptoms while also supporting the wishes of patients and families throughout the process.

  • Board-certified physicians
  • Certified nurse practitioners
  • Certified palliative care nurses
  • Chaplains
  • Pastoral care volunteers
  • Spiritual care companions
  • Registered dietitians
  • Social workers
  • Child life specialist
  • Physical and occupational therapists

Our palliative care team:

  • Pedro Calves, MD, FACP, FCCP, Senior Associate Medical Director, Catholic Health Palliative Care
  • Richard M Balter, MD, FACP, St. Charles Hospital
  • Laura Healy RN, NE-BC, CHPN, Nursing Care Coordinator, St. Charles Hospital
  • Susan M. Puckey, LCSW, Social Worker, St. Charles Hospital
  • Sr. Edith Menegus, OSU, BCC, Director, Pastoral Care, St. Charles Hospital