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With the opening of its new hospice unit,Northwest Hospital  in Randallstown is the only hospital in Maryland to open a fully dedicated in-patient hospice unit located.

In partnership with Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, a nationally recognized provider of hospice care, Northwest Hospital's hospice unit offers a comprehensive program of care to patients and families facing a terminal illness.

"The goal of providing this level of care in a hospital setting is to alleviate the pain, loneliness and fear that sometimes comes during an end-stage illness,” said Erik G. Wexler, President of Northwest Hospital. "We felt it was important to create a setting that is not only home-like and comfortable for the patient, but also for family and visitors. Patients will receive around the clock care from highly trained hospice and palliative care-givers associated with Seasons Hospice.”

Hospice emphasizes palliative care.  Those at end of life are comforted by a specialized team of providers.  Both the patient and family members are included in the care plan and emotional, spiritual and practical support is given, based on the patient's wishes and the family's needs.

The new hospice unit at Northwest Hospital includes 14 beds, located in all private rooms, with the ability to accommodate family members or close friends overnight, should they wish to stay around the clock with the patient.

Designed with a home-like atmosphere, the patient rooms are adjacent to a shared family room, kitchen and eating area for family members and friends.
Staff on the unit include hospice physicians, a social worker, a chaplain, nurses, aides, clerical staff and  volunteers who help patients meet any challenge they may encounter with their particular diagnosis.

"Seasons is pleased to be able to provide this level of care in a hospital setting,” said Marcia Norman, president of the board of directors for Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care. "Our partnership with Northwest Hospital allows us to meet the growing need of hospice care in this community.”

Northwest Hospital is a member of LifeBridge Health, a regional health organization, which includes Sinai Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, Jewish Convalescent & Nursing Home, and related subsidiaries and affiliates.

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