Samaritan Community-based Palliative Care Program Expands October 18, 2022 Linn County patients living with a serious illness are now eligible for additional services as Samaritan Community-based Palliative Care Program expands this fall. Beginning Oct. 17, 2022, Samaritan Palliative Care offers outpatient services, regardless of diagnosis. Palliative care is available from a multidisciplinary team that includes a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant and nurses who work collaboratively with a patient’s medical team to addresses symptoms associated with serious illness. Social workers can assist with emotional and social issues and make connections to vital resources at Samaritan and in the community. Spiritual support is also available for faith-based needs. Outpatient palliative care includes: Guidance in making medical decisions based on values, preferences and priorities. Emotional and spiritual support. Support for management of complex symptoms related to life-limiting illness through expert recommendations and collaboration with your primary medical team. Assistance with advanced care planning. Coordination with other medical providers. Grief, bereavement and counseling support. “We focus on providing relief from the symptoms and stress released to serious illness,” said Kelsey Terland, MD, medical director of Samaritan Palliative Care. “Our goal is to improve the lives of our patients and their families.” The community-based program was created to support patients with congestive heart failure by facilitating communication and care. With the expansion, more patients can benefit from an added layer of support. “Palliative care is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided together with curative treatment,” said Dr. Terland. Samaritan Palliative Care also offers inpatient services at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Samaritan Albany General Hospital and Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital. Service on the coast is available at Samaritan Medical Group Palliative Care – Lincoln City, an outpatient clinic.
