November is National Hospice Month

        For more than 25 years, Hospice and Palliative Care of Nash General, a non-profit hospice, has offered emotional, medical, and spiritual support to those facing terminal illnesses. Working with an experienced, qualified staff of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains and nursing assistants, Hospice and Palliative Care of Nash General offers services 24 hours a day, seven days a week---regardless of an individual’s ability to pay for the services.

November is designated as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, focusing on the theme: Preserving a legacy…treasuring memories

Hospice and Palliative Care of Nash General’s goal is to provide palliative (comfort) care and to enhance the quality of life for the patient in a comfortable, familiar environment. In addition, Hospice and Palliative Care also provides supportive services for the patient’s family and caregivers. Recently, Hospice and Palliative Care of Nash General received home care accreditation from the Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest health care accreditation organization

Karen Vick, MPH, RN, director of Hospice and Palliative Care of Nash General Hospital said, “We believe that everyone has the right to die with dignity, and our staff strives to provide not only care for the patient, but support for the entire family. We provide a wide range of assistance including nursing care, pain and symptom management, personal care, social and emotional supportive services and spiritual support.”

Dr. Douglas Boyette, full-time Medical Director for the program, is available to council with families and to provide palliative (comfort) care for hospice patients in their homes  or in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, she added.  Dr. Boyette often speaks with church and civic groups about the Hospice program, Advanced Directives and the importance of early planning before a crisis occurs. 

 Vick said,  “We also offer educational programs throughout the community where participants may ask our staff members about end-of-life issues and hospice services.”

For more information about Hospice and Palliative Care of Nash General or to have a staff member speak to your church or civic organization, call (252) 962-8124 or contact Patient Care Coordinator Lynn Bradshaw, BSN,RN, CHPN, at (252) 962-3438.

For more information on National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, visit  the National Hospice and Palliative Care website at: www.nhpco.org.

The staff of Hospice and Palliative Care of Nash General celebrate National Hospice Month.  Pictured are: Seated (L-R): Nancy Brinkley, BSN,RN; Carleton McKita, chaplain; Debbie Stilley, BSW. Standing (L-R): Vickie Ripley, RPh, PharmD; Brenda Respess, RN; Elizabeth Davis RN; Terri Gurganus, administrative assistant; Dr. Doug Boyette, medical director; and Lynn Bradshaw, BSN,RN,CHPN patient care coordinator. Other members of the Hospice and Palliative Care of Nash General team who are not pictured include Karen Vick,MPH,RN director; Salita Hines, administrative assistant; Dorothy Jones, CNAII; Joan Colbert, CNAII; and Malinda Lynch,CNAII.