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Holistic care after a life-changing diagnosis: Specialised palliative care services unit by UHKDU

07 Feb 2021

When we hear the words palliative care, we often think of someone with a terminal illness or last stages of life being made comfortable in their last days. The images conjured are those of quiet sorrow and air of futility. However, this is not at all what palliative care means.  [caption id="attachment_118446" align="alignright" width="626"] From left: Chief Guest Sir John Kotelawela Defence University Vice Chancellor Gen. Milinda Peiris, UHKDU Hospital Executive Director Dr. Jayan Mendis, UHKDU Department of Oncology Head Dr. Jayantha Balawardane, UHKDU Palliative Care Services Unit Head Dr. Sachini Rasnayake, consultant oncologist Dr. Hasanthi Jayalath, senior consultant psychiatrist Dr. Neil Fernando, UHKDU Director – Administration Brig. Jayantha Balasooriya, and UHKDU Director – Medical Supplies Brig. Dr. Saman Thilakarathne[/caption] Last week, the UHKDU (University Hospital, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University) launched its very own dedicated palliative care services unit. While not the first unit of its kind in Sri Lanka, it’s a powerful move on the part of the UHKDU to provide well-rounded care to the patients and families of those with chronic illnesses.  Simply put, palliative care is specialised medical care that takes place when someone is diagnosed with a chronic illness that requires long-term or permanent care. Yes, oftentimes this is because the patient concerned has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, but not always. Non-terminal illnesses that require palliative care include diabetes, hypertension, chronic arthritis, and chronic mental illness.  UHKDU Oncologist Dr. Sachini Rasnayake explained that palliative care is about improving a patient’s quality of life, regardless of if the patient in question is terminal or not. “There is a misconception that palliative care means that it is terminal illness related, but this is not the case. Palliative care starts from the day of diagnosis of any chronic illness. Palliative care is about optimising the quality of life of both patients and caregivers.” Dr. Rasnayake added that palliative care is a more holistic form of care because it’s not just the patient who requires attention. Their families will also have lots of questions when a loved one is diagnosed with a chronic or incurable illness. Palliative care includes educating and consulting with patients on handling all aspects of life post-diagnosis, from nutrition, to pain management, to cost of living. Dr. Rasnayake also said that in many cases, especially when the breadwinner of a family is diagnosed, families are often in need of social and economic support, which is something that, ideally, palliative care consultants are able to advise them on.  [caption id="attachment_118449" align="alignleft" width="451"] The launch event [/caption] The designated palliative care services unit at the UHKDU is a collaborative one. With one nurse and one consultant specifically devoted to the unit, the unit will see the voluntary services of all the other doctors and consultants at the UKHDU coming intp provide insight and expertise when needed. Dr. Rasnayake explained that for palliative care to be truly effective, there needs to be multiple viewpoints involved, and with the various consultants of the UHKDU getting involved, patients in need of palliative care at the UHKDU will receive multidisciplinary treatment that will allow them and their families to adjust better their diagnosis.  The UHKDU is the teaching hospital of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU). It was completed in 2018 as a means of providing cutting-edge medical care at affordable prices, while allowing graduates of medicine a platform to train and enhance their skills as medical professionals. The UHKDU is staffed with a group of healthcare professionals and is equipped with all the facilities and technology needed to provide specialised treatment across all branches of medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology.

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