Palliative Care in Hospitals
Emergency care
Call 911 or proceed to your nearest hospital if you require emergency care. Sometimes people are admitted to the Palliative Care Unit directly from the Emergency Room, depending on bed availability.
Palliative care units in hospitals offer care and support for people whose symptoms and care needs cannot be managed in the community.
A palliative approach to care may also be provided to people being cared for at the hospital, even if they are not on a dedicated Palliative Care Unit.
How to access
Speak to your health-care team about what matters most to you.
To transfer from the community to a Palliative Care Unit, call the specialized palliative care access line in your area or speak with your health-care team for more information.
Hospitals that do not have a dedicated Palliative Care Unit can provide a palliative approach to care to anyone who desires this. Speak to your care team about what matters most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is there a cost for palliative and end-of-life care services?
Depending on the type of services you require, there may be a cost for end-of-life care or palliative care services.
There is no cost for community nursing or rehabilitation services if you receive care at home. Some medications and palliative supplies, and equipment are available free of charge for eligible patients through B.C. Palliative Care Benefits. In addition, there is no cost for home support services if you are enrolled with B.C. Palliative Care Benefits.
If you require publicly subsidized hospice care, you will pay a fixed daily rate per day. The daily rate for short-stay services is adjusted each year. It is calculated by multiplying the minimum monthly rate for long-term care services by 12 months and dividing it by 365 days.
Find more information on the costs of publicly subsidized home and community care services in B.C.
