United States Department of Veterans Affairs
VA NY/NJ Veterans Healthcare Network

Hospice and Palliative Care

The VA NY/NJ Healthcare Network (VISN 3) includes 5 VA hospitals and 5 nursing homes and is a leader in VA and among health care organizations across the country. On July 23, 2010, the VISN 3 Palliative Care Program received the prestigious American Hospital Association 2010 Circle of Life Award. This award recognizes 3 programs from across the nation who demonstrate innovative programs in the delivery of palliative and end of life care. VISN 3 is the first organization in the Veterans Health Administration to receive this award.

VISN 3 has been building a palliative and end-of-life care program since 2003 characterized by a network-wide, standardized and interdisciplinary approach to care. The network has established a Palliative Care Team which includes a VISN Palliative Care (PC) Medical Director, VISN Palliative Care Advanced Practice Nurse Program Manager and consultation team members at each of the sites. The core team members of the PC teams include an Advanced Practice Nurse Coordinator, Physician, Social Worker, Chaplain and Psychologist.

Each Palliative Care Team's goal is to ensure that veterans with life-limiting illness and their families receive care in which their comfort is a priority and their values and choices for end of life care are respected. Psychological, social and spiritual needs are addressed and practical and bereavement support are provided.

While each facility has an inpatient Hospice and Palliative Care Unit, palliative care is available in all venues of care in VISN 3, including intensive and acute care, community living centers and at home through collaboration with local hospice agencies.

How can Palliative Care help?
  • Symptom management
  • Psychosocial and spiritual support for patients and families
  • Educational and emotional support for staff
  • Continuity and coordination of care
  • Communication with patients and families
Ask your physician or nurse if you would like to see a member of our Palliative Care Team. Palliative Care is not just for patients at the end of life. Palliative Care is for everyone with serious illness.

Network-wide Hospice and Palliative Care Points of Contact

• VA James J. Peters Bronx Medical Center
• VA Hudson Valley Health Care System
• VA New Jersey Health Care System
• VA New York Harbor Healthcare System
• VA Northport Medical Center

Page Content Providers: Sandra Diaz, Teresa Cortez