Palliative Care - SJWH
Palliative Care
SJWH St. Joseph StatuePalliative Care refers to care that focuses on enhancing the quality of life for patients suffering from chronic disease and life threatening illness and is appropriate for patients in any stage of a serious illness. The care available includes patients who are receiving curative treatments, as well as those who are near the end of life. Palliative care provides comprehensive management of the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of patients and families.

Our palliative care program can help to improve quality of life by relieving symptoms, and providing comfort and support to patients and family members.

Palliative care services are provided by a multidisciplinary team consisting of the following members, as needed:
  • Physician,
  • Advanced Practice Nurse,
  • Primary nurse,
  • Social Worker,
  • Case manager,
  • Chaplain,
  • Nutritionist,
  • Respiratory Therapist,
  • Physical Therapist.

Services provided include:
  • Pain and symptom management;
  • Counseling and guidance in establishing goals for care; 
  • Family meetings to assist in decision-making and goals of care;
  • Assistance with completing Advanced Directives;
  • Social, psychological and spiritual support;
  • Coordinating care through the course of a complex illness.
Referrals for palliative care can be made by contacting your physician or nurse.

For more information about palliative care services provided in St. Joseph’s Healthcare System, please contact:

Roberta Vitcusky, MSN, APN,
Palliative Care Advanced Practice Nurse

St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center: 973.754.2231
St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital: 973.956.3520