Strategic Partnership Optimizes End-of-Life Care
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Proposed healthcare reform in the United States will significantly impact how healthcare is provided and funded for millions of Americans. A new strategic partnership between Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care (PPHPC) and Penrose-St. Francis Health Services in Colorado Springs and the opening of the new hospice inpatient unit is improving the way the two organizations effectively meet the healthcare needs of their community. The Pikes Peak Hospice Unit at Penrose Hospital officially opens July 12 when patients transition to the new facility.
PPHPC has offered inpatient care at the St. Francis Health Center (SFHC) building since 1994. Plans to close the SFHC building presented a unique opportunity to maximize collaboration between two well-respected organizations. The new hospice inpatient unit is designed and equipped to manage the most serious care needs, enhancing delivery of care in a comfortable and peaceful setting for patients and their families. The unit has 16 private patient rooms, a tranquility spa, family common areas, palliative care clinical office, exam room, clinical work areas and areas for the 50 full- and part-time inpatient staff and volunteers.
“As we continue to hear about healthcare reform, the evolution of healthcare delivery demands stronger partnerships than we’ve ever had,” said Martha Barton, president and CEO of PPHPC. “As demonstrated by this strategic alliance, PPHPC continues to pursue service expansions that increase access to direct care when and where people need it the most.”
The new Pikes Peak Hospice Unit at Penrose Hospital represents just one component of PPHPC’s broader vision of integrated community partnerships and collaborations with other healthcare systems and providers. “We will soon announce another step to optimize end-of-life care in our community. A new headquarters will include optimal workspace for all our outpatient teams, specialized pharmacy, palliative care specialists, specialized grief support, commemoration, education and research, as well as for our Foundation. We also expect to grow with additional inpatient units,” said Barton.
Donald Schumacher, president and CEO of National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (www.nhpco.org), a nonprofit representing hospice and palliative care programs and professionals in the United States, helped introduce Pikes Peak Hospice Unit at Penrose Hospital. “Since its founding 31 years ago, Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care has always been one of the top 25 hospice programs in the United States,” said Schumacher. “This new unit in Colorado Springs is one of the preeminent hospital-connected inpatient hospice units nationally.”
Nationally, more than 1.65 million people received hospice care in 2010. These numbers will continue to grow as more patients, and their families, seek greater participation in end-of-life decisions. “Based on the 2010 U.S. Census Report, it’s predicted that between 2011 and 2028, 70 million people are going to die in the United States. That’s a lot of people who are going to need end-of-life services,” said Schumacher.
Contact:
Robin Whitten
Director of Communication
719.634.3400
SOURCE Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care
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