Cancer Hospice

Palliative care is defined as an approach designed to improve the quality of life of patients and their families dealing with life-threatening diseases. This is done by preventing and alleviating suffering through early identification and accurate assessment, as well as treatment of pain and other physical, psychosocial and spiritual problems. (WHO - 2002)

The first Supportive Care unit was established in Israel in 1983 at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer and is part of the rehabilitation hospital. The department is located in a separate building. Patients stay in spacious private rooms with en suite shower and toilet, and have access to a well-kept garden.

The department boasts 22 private and spacious rooms, along with a delightful garden adorned with trees, a charming pond teeming with fish, and a quaint artificial waterfall. Additionally, we have a dedicated space for families and events, as well as a lecture room.

Every room offers an exit to the garden along with a private balcony. Plus, there is an extra bed in each room for family members who want to spend the night with their loved ones.

Our department is the largest of its kind in Israel, dedicated to providing advanced-stage cancer treatment. In addition to the inpatient department, the building also houses the Beit hospice unit of the Cancer Society. There is full cooperation between the two frameworks. Patients receive treatment at home and, if needed, are transferred to the ward for hospitalization and vice versa.

The department offers extensive supportive care to the patient and their family when their illness does not respond to curative treatment. 

We place great importance on addressing various symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, weakness, lack of appetite, constipation, sphincter control issues, pressure sores, and psychological and mental challenges. In addition, our department offers compassionate psychological, social, and spiritual support to both patients and their families.

The goal of supportive treatment is to reduce suffering and enhance quality of life for patients in advanced stages of the disease, and to provide assistance and comfort to the patient's family.

The Supportive Care department also includes a medical academic center, a nursing training center, and a research center. Patients admitted to the department are dealing with an advanced disease, having completed all curative treatments. They are in need of treatment that alleviates their physical and mental suffering. Typically, patients experience one or more of the following symptoms: pain, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, cough, psychomotor restlessness, general weakness, constipation, lack of sleep, depression, anxiety, and more.
 
Our department's medical staff is available during the morning hours. In the evenings, nights, and even on Saturdays, we have doctors on duty to provide care. Our dedicated nursing staff is available round-the-clock to provide nursing care.