Pediatric Palliative Care

The word “palliate” means “to cover”. We do this in two ways. First, we help to cover or relieve symptoms. Second, we cover or surround patients and their families with support.

An example of Palliative Care is taking medicine for a headache. You are not fixing the cause of the headache, but are relieving the symptom of pain.

We try to improve your child and family’s quality of life. Sometimes we help to relieve suffering by controlling pain or other symptoms. We can help with decision making, providing you with information and support. We also help you to establish goals and priorities for your child’s care. Through it all, we keep our attention focused on what is important to you and your child, as plans and goals change over time.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends including Palliative Care from the time a child is diagnosed with a life-threatening disease.

No. Hospice is an approach to care that focuses on comfort and quality of life. Hospice is usually involved for patients with a terminal illness in the final months of life. However, children may continue treatment while they are also enrolled in hospice (this is called concurrent care).

Hospice may be a part of Palliative Care as a child nears the end of life, but many Pediatric Palliative Care patients never require hospice support.

The goal of Palliative Care is the same for both children and adults – to relieve suffering. How we do that can be a little different.
We try to meet children and families early in their treatment journey. We get to know many families over months, and even years. Many children who receive Pediatric Palliative Care “graduate” when our support is no longer needed.

You don’t have to! Our team does not replace anyone else who is caring for your child. Instead, we work together with all the people involved in your child’s care to be sure that your needs are met.

If your child has a disease that may shorten their life, Palliative Care support may be appropriate for your child and family.
You may contact our team and discuss your situation if you are unsure. You can also ask your doctor to refer your child to Pediatric Palliative Care.

The Pediatric Palliative Care team includes a doctor, a nurse, and a chaplain.

• Neela Penumarthy, MD
• Rebecca Kingsbury, RN, CNS
• Kate Payne, LCSW
• Evan Wong, MDiv

Pediatric Palliative Care services are available at the Oakland Medical Center Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except holidays).

We accept referrals from other areas, but are only able to see patients in person in Oakland.