【Learning points】
- Introducing the establishment and current status of Taichung Veterans General Palliative Care Unit.
- Describe the full range of services, the qualifications of service recipients (patients), check-in methods, and check-in timing.
- Accompany terminal cancer patients and their families as they move forward and improve their quality of life.
About
When we enter this world, we are surrounded by love, comfort, and care and we deserve the same when we leave.
With the aim of alleviating pain and suffering in terminally or seriously ill patients, palliative care services in Taichung Veterans General Hospital began in 1993 and a palliative care inpatient unit was founded in 2003.
Services
Palliative care is offered by an interdisciplinary team consisting specialist palliative care medical and nursing staff, social worker,multi-faith chaplains, art therapist, psychological counsellor, volunteers, and others.
Our inpatient services provide:
- Physical symptoms control
- Physical hygiene care
- Psychological support and counselling
- Spiritual and religious care
- Social welfare and support
- Emotional and spiritual Support for patients’ family and friends
- Discharge planning
- Bereavement care
- Referral to other services
Who are eligible ?
People diagnosed with terminal stage of cancer, dementia, neurodegenerative diseases, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Cystic fibrosis, severe fibrotic lung disease, chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis or renal failure; or frail elderly patients are eligible to access palliative care services.
Inpatient palliative care service is specific for patients who have an uncontrolled physical or psycho-existential distress. An informed consent for a do-not-resuscitate order (DNR) is needed. National Health Insurance would cover the hospitalization costs, though extra charge would apply if you request a single en-suite room.
What is the inpatient unit like?
Creating a home-like environment is one of the top priorities in our service. We have 2 single rooms with their own toilet and 16 4-bed bays. There is also a lounge with a fishpond, a piano, and a comfortable couch. Furthermore, you will find some cooking facilities, praying rooms, a computer room, a bathing suite and a consultation room in the unit.
How to access?
You can make an appointment with one of our palliative care consultants in the outpatient department, or you can ask your doctor to make the referral.
Our palliative care consultants are: Dr. Chung-Chieh Hu & Dr. Lung-Chun Lee.
How to find us?
Taichung Veterans General Hospital Inpatient Palliative Care Unit: 11F, 2nd Medical Building, 1650 Taiwan Boulevard Sect. 4, Taichung, Taiwan 40705, ROC.
TEL：886-4-23592525 ext. 8116