Supportive (palliative) care is a treatment aimed at relieving the suffering of patients dealing with a severe illness. The goal of the treatment is to alleviate pain and other symptoms that arise from the disease or as a result of side effects of medical treatment. It also aims to ease anxiety and tension experienced by the patient. The team at the Supportive Care Unit at Shaare Zedek Medical Center strives to improve the patient's and their family's quality of life.
In the unit, patients receive medical, social, and emotional support during treatment and even during the healing period. Led by Prof. Nathan Cherny, an oncologist and world-renowned palliative care specialist, the team includes doctors, specialized nurses, spiritual guides, social workers, and psychologists, providing comprehensive care for anyone in need.
The team at the Supportive Care Unit maintains continuous communication with other medical staff who are involved in the patient's treatment and collaborates in determining treatment plans for the patients.
The services provided by the Supportive Care Unit include visits and consultations with patients in the hospital wards, day-care units, clinics, and various departments of the hospital. Additionally, outpatient appointments can be scheduled at the Palliative Care Clinic at the hospital.