Palliative Care
Palliative care is provided to individuals who are living with a life threatening illness when the focus of care has turned from that of cure to comfort. Pain and symptom management become paramount and attention is given to the quality of the life remaining rather than trying to extend the time of living.

Palliative care is multidisciplinary in its approach. The team is led first by the individual and their family, and may include the physician, nurse, personal support worker, hospital chaplain or clergy, social worker, dietitian, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, respiratory therapist, speech and language therapist, recreational therapist and Hospice volunteers. The team works in partnership with community resources to provide an easy transition to and from home.

Although there is a palliative care unit at the Penetanguishene site, palliative care is provided across all areas of Georgian Bay General Hospital. Admission to the palliative care unit may be recommended for stabilization of symptom management or for terminal care.

A palliative care coordinator works across both the Penetanguishene and Midland sites. She is available for individual and family support and acts as a resource to staff. If families are considering applying to the palliative care unit, the discharge planner will assist. Georgian Bay General Hospital includes volunteers and workers from Hospice Huronia in the palliative circle of care.