Feb. 27, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, AL — UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) will host an open house to showcase its new Palliative and Comfort Care Unit (PCCU) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, March 3. The unit, part of the UAB Center for Palliative Care, will begin accepting patients in late March. It is located on the third floor of the Center for Psychiatric Medicine, 1713 6th Avenue South.

The 12-bed inpatient unit reflects the innovative, patient-centered approach of the UAB Health System. It complements the Center for Palliative Care’s other components, including outpatient clinics and a palliative care consult service. The inpatient unit positions UAB’s palliative care program at the forefront nationally by combining a complete set of palliative care services with research and education.

Palliative care is a comprehensive approach to caring for people with advanced, life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses. Its aim is to support patients and their loved ones, with a focus on the relief of physical, social, emotional and spiritual suffering. As a discipline, it has recently been given specialty status by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

The PCCU will offer an environment that evokes home more than it does hospital, said Christine Ritchie, M.D., director of the Center for Palliative Care. A family room and extra-large patient suites will encourage family and caregivers to spend time with patients and enhance the care-receiving environment. Alternative and complementary therapies will be offered. A wide array of disciplines, including psychology, nutrition and pain management will be involved in patients’ care.

The PCCU’s goal is to maximize patients’ dignity and comfort when they are in the advanced stages of illness. Every detail of the PCCU is designed to set it apart from the expected hospital experience.

The paging system is quiet, furniture is home-like and lighting is softer throughout the unit. A large dining room and kitchen area with a pantry filled with quick foods is available to families and visitors.

“We are pleased to be able to expand our palliative care services with the addition of the new in-patient unit,” said Michael Waldrum, M.D., chief operating officer of UAB Hospital. “This is an important part of the continuum of care that is so important to our patients in Alabama and across the entire region.”

There are many volunteer opportunities at the PCCU. Volunteer groups and faith-based organizations can provide food items for the family pantry, flowers for patients’ rooms and common areas, and books and magazines. The PCCU will also need volunteers daily on the unit. For more information on how to volunteer, please call Maryhelen Kirkpatrick, (205) 975-0848 or mhkirkpatrick@uab.edu.