Palliative care aims to relieve or ease the symptoms and the suffering of individuals and their families who face a progressive life-limiting illness. Palliative care is complimentary to traditional primary care and acts as an added layer of support.
About Our Clinic
Our palliative care clinic supports people who are living with a progressive life-limiting illness, condition, or health situation. We focus on providing pain and symptom management, comfort, and quality of life. We treat the whole person and their family, not just the disease, condition, or body part. Someone may receive palliative care whether or not they are receiving active treatment (e.g. chemotherapy) for their illness.
Meet Your Team
Doctor
Your palliative care doctor provides assessments and care that best fits your needs – addressing any pain or discomfort primarily. In close collaboration with the team, they take the lead in facilitating your appointments to ensure your symptoms are being managed and your concerns are being heard.
Nurse Practitioner
Your nurse practitioner is here to provide strategies and support to relieve or manage any symptoms such pain, shortness of breath, nausea, bowels, sleep, etc. They are well versed in the most up-to-date medications and work closely with the doctors and pharmacists to best target your problem areas.
Phone: 905 632 3737 extension: 5743
Clinical Navigator
Your clinical nurse navigator is your dedicated point of contact. They will phone you to schedule your first appointment and are equipped with all the knowledge and expertise necessary to support you, answer questions, or simply chat about your needs.
Phone: 905 632 3737 extension.2108
Social Worker
Your social worker is here to provide emotional support through the difficulties of navigating diagnosis and prognosis and exploring those feelings more deeply. They can also support you through some of the practical pieces such as sorting out EI benefits, financial concerns, or connecting you to community resources.
Phone: 905 632 3737 extension. 5728
Location
The Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic is located within the Oncology Clinic on Level 1 of the South tower. We recommend you to park on the second level of the parking garage, walk through the pedestrian bridge, and you will see the Oncology Clinic on the right side of the elevators. Please check in with a volunteer at the registration desk and take a seat in our waiting room. Any of the volunteers in the blue vests would be happy to assist you if needed.
Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Referrals
Patients are seen on referral.
Physician
Referrals must be completed by a physician. To refer a patient, complete the Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic referral form and fax to 905-336-6492.
Patients
Once referred, we will call you to book an appointment within 3 business days. When possible, an appointment will be scheduled within 2 weeks of the referral.
Preparation
In-person appointment
- Ensure you have your Ontario Health Card or proof of medical coverage
- Bring in your medications and supplements from home
- Arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment
- Check-in at the registration desk
Virtual appointment
- Whether you have a telephone or video appointment, please follow the instructions provided in your virtual visit
- Have a list of your current medications readily available.
What to expect
In-person appointment
- Your initial visit may take up to an hour, while follow-up appointments are typically up to 30 minutes
- Blood and other laboratory work may be required depending on the assessment.
Virtual appointment
- Taking part in a virtual visit
- Your visit may take up to 30 minutes