Service

Hospice & Palliative Care Unit

Taipei Veterans General Hospital

Hospice & Palliative Care Unit

Taipei Veterans General Hospital

　　Our humanitarian and comprehensive hospice care services help control and alleviate distressing symptoms, especially pain of the terminally ill. The services also meet psychosocial and spiritual needs of these people and their families. Additionally, grief and bereavement support is offered to those who need extra support.

THE WARD-The Hospice Care Unit

　　The Veterans General Hospital -Taipei founded the 15-bed ward on July 16, 1997, and named it “Dah-Der ward,” which literally means "The great virtue." The name originates from an ancient Chinese book "I-Ching: The Book of Changes," which states: "Life is a special kindness bestowed by the Universe" and suggests the thought to all of us that the dignity of life and death of man should be respected.

STAFF

　　A core of interdisciplinary team exists within the unit and includes doctors, nurses, a psychiatrist, a social worker, volunteers and multi-religion clergymen. With their special training and devotion to palliative care, terminal patients and their families are ensured of receiving the highest quality care based on a holistic approach.

THE FACILITIES

　　At the ward, terminal patients’ needs are our foremost concerns when making the environmental design. Thus a home-like environment is created for the palliative care unit, such as installing a kitchen for home-cooked meals, an ultrasonic bath machine for the patient’s cleaning and comfort, a recreational lounge and an outdoor rooftop garden for the patient’s relaxation. In addition, a special area is designated for religious rituals and practices conducted in honor of the deceased.

THE PATIENT

　　Terminally ill cancer patient, whose diagnosis shows no curative medical care will be effective anymore, is eligible for the unit. The patient and his family must accept the concept of palliative care. They agree not to use a ventilator and CPR so that the patient will suffer less. In-patient care as well as home care are both available. Patients can be referred from within and without of our hospital.

HOME VISITS

1. Region: Individual household within 10 km, or travel time within 30 minutes by car.

2. Subject: All patients from our outpatients’ clinic, emergency or inpatient, we also take referrals from local clinics or other medical facilities.

3. Criteria: Patient with life-limiting condition that does not require to be admitted, and agree with the concept of hospice shared care.