The ward
The palliative care ward within the hospital specialises in providing palliative care for patients nearing the end of life. This ward is intended for individuals with incurable illnesses and a limited life expectancy, usually no longer than two months, who are no longer receiving active treatments such as chemotherapy or intravenous nutrition.
Patients and their families can request either temporary or permanent admission:
- Temporary admission may be needed for specific issues such as uncontrolled pain or to provide the family with temporary relief.
- Permanent admission involves the specialised interdisciplinary team of the ward evaluating the patient’s condition after one and two months.
Depending on the situation, alternative living arrangements, such as returning home or moving to another substitute care location, can be considered in consultation with all parties, provided sufficient support is available.
On this ward, the focus is no longer on curing or stabilising the illness but on providing maximum comfort and optimising the patient’s quality of life. Complex symptoms and specific care needs that cannot be addressed by regular departments or home care are managed here. No burdensome therapies are performed.
Patients and their families can also visit the ward in advance to gain a better understanding of the care provided. For more information about the services and guidance offered by the ward at Hospitalisatie palliatieve zorg, please refer to the brochure on the Palliative care ward.
Admission options
When the (family) doctor considers admission to Hospitalisatie palliatieve zorg desirable, contact is made with the Palliative Support Team (PST):
- On weekdays between 09:00 and 16:30
- Outside these hours and on weekends via the head nurse of Hospitalisatie palliatieve zorg
Every admission requires the approval of the PST and the supervisor of the palliative care unit.
- Preferably, admissions are scheduled on a weekday.
- Evening or night admissions from home (emergencies) are possible after consultation with the on-call doctor and the supervisor of the palliative care unit.
- Weekend admissions are only possible if prior approval has been granted and after consultation with the responsible nurse. New requests are not processed on weekends.
Contact
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Palliative support team (PST): 016 33 24 22
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Hospitalisatie palliatieve zorg: 016 33 70 60
Indications for admission
The PST team members work with the referring doctor to find the best solution for each individual patient. The following reasons may indicate a need for hospitalisation in the palliative care unit:
- The patient has a life expectancy of a few days to a maximum of three months.
- Active disease treatments (dialysis, blood transfusions, chemotherapy) have been discontinued.
- Home care is no longer feasible.
- The patient requires continuous specialised palliative care.
- Temporary short-term admission to relieve caregivers.
- Optimising pain and symptom control.
Admission to the palliative care ward does not mean that all therapy (medication, nutrition, or fluids) must be completely stopped. Further steps can be discussed with the patient and family after admission to the palliative care ward.
Team
Head nurse
Suzy Van Ende
Nurses, caregivers, pastoral service workers, social workers, physiotherapists and volunteers of the palliative care ward
Visits
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As a visitor, you are warmly welcome in our department. We understand how meaningful it is for you and your loved one to spend time together and say goodbye.
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Visits are possible every day between 12:00 and 20:00.
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A short visit of half an hour is often more beneficial than a visit that lasts too long.
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Too many visitors at the same time can be exhausting for patients. Please try to limit visits to 2 to 3 people at a time.
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Visiting outside of these hours or staying with your loved one continuously is possible but must always be arranged with the care team.
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Nighttime vigils at your loved one's side are allowed when the end of life is approaching. When this moment arrives, the nursing staff will discuss this option with you.
Contact
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Head nurse: Suzy Van Ende
Address
Location and accessibility
Parking
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The designated car park for this department is parking Oost.