Palliative Medicine is a multidisciplinary approach to specialized medical care for individuals with life- limiting illnesses. It aims to alleviate symptoms, pain, and physical and mental stress caused by terminal diagnoses, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Established at St. John's in 2000 as a unit under anaesthesia, the department became independent in 2008 and began offering inpatient care in 2010. In 2013, the department moved to its present location in the Oncology block.

Location
● The Outpatient Department (OPD) is located in the Oncology block, Gate 2, Third Floor Room No 44 and 45.
● The department's office is situated on the second floor of the same building.

Physical Infrastructure
● The department includes an OPD, daycare facility, and inpatient care on the third floor for general ward rooms and fourth floor for single rooms of the Oncology block.

Services Offered by the Department
Inpatient, Outpatient, Daycare Facility, and Home-Based Care Support
Pain Management and Symptom Management, End of Life care, Nursing Care, Psychosocial Support, Physiotherapy

Camps/Outreach Programs/Packages Offered/Staff Discount Services
● Home care services are provided from Monday to Saturday for chronically and terminally ill patients residing within a 15 km radius of the hospital.



Working Hours – Consultation Time
Monday to Saturday from 8 : 30 am to 2:00 PM

Courses/Training Programs Offered
● DNB Palliative Medicine Training Program
● One-year Fellowship Program in Palliative Medicine (recognized by Rajiv Gandhi University)
● Nurse Training Programs including the Essentials of Palliative Care course
● Regular Communication Workshops to improve patient care and interaction.

Academic Activities and Research
Lymphedema Care Workshop 2023: In July 2023, the Pain and Palliative Medicine Department, in collaboration with the Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Vascular Surgery departments, organized a workshop for MSC nursing students to enhance skills in managing venous ulcers and lymphedema through hands-on training and online modules.

Home-Based Palliative Care Workshop 2024: In January 2024, the Pain and Palliative Department hosted a CME session for interdisciplinary professionals, focusing on best practices, challenges, and innovations in delivering quality home-based palliative care.

Colostomy Workshop 2024: In February 2024, the Pain and Palliative Department conducted a workshop for nursing students and staff, providing comprehensive training on the psychosocial, nursing, and surgical aspects of colostomy care.

Communication Skills Workshop 2024: On March 23, 2024, Dr. Nandini Vallath led a communication skills workshop organized by the Pain and Palliative Department to equip medical interns, PG students, and staff with strategies for effective patient interactions.

Introduction to Ultrasound Workshop: Dr Max Watson (Adjuvant professor, Pain and Palliative department, St John's Medical College Hospital) and Dr. Clyde Richard conducted a workshop focused on teaching bedside ultrasound evaluation techniques, equipping participants with practical skills for immediate clinical application.

Palliative Care Module Training 2024: A palliative care module training was conducted for 2nd-year nursing students of St. John's College of Nursing, focusing on foundational concepts and skills essential for providing compassionate care as a part of their curriculum.



Innovations/Achievements within the Department (Excluding Publications)
● The department has been honored with the prestigious designation as an "ESMO Designated Centre of Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care" by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO).
● The department was awarded approval to enroll students for a one-year Palliative Medicine Fellowship under RGUHS.
● Environment Day 2024: On June 5, 2024, the department celebrated Environment Day by planting 18 trees, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and giving back to the environment.
● The department from September 2024 started integrating with Various Pediatric Departments such as Paediatric Hematoncology, Unit of Hope and Paediatric Nephrology.
● The department celebrated World Palliative Care Day with a captivating performance by the "First Drop Theatre" group, who presented a drama titled Crossing Over. The event was attended by medical college interns and professionals from various departments.