Moffitt Cancer Center To Offer Inpatient Hospice Services
TAMPA, Fla.— Beginning April 1, Moffitt Cancer Center will offer inpatient hospice services through a new partnership with Empath Health.
Empath’s Suncoast Hospice of Hillsborough nurses will be located at Moffitt’s Magnolia campus to assess patients and help with enrollment if the patient and their family members choose inpatient hospice services.
Typically, a patient qualifies for hospice care when they have a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less.
Once the patient is enrolled, the care team will continue providing hands-on care as Empath’s team oversees the patient, ensuring they continue to meet inpatient hospice care criteria, such as a continuous intravenous pain control or high demands for supplemental oxygen.
“The end-of-life experience will be much better for our patients,” said Sean Powell, director of Social Work and Patient and Family Services at Moffitt. “Many of our patients have wanted to stay here because they received care at Moffitt for several years and they trust the care we have provided.”
Patients and their family members enrolled in inpatient hospice will receive additional aid, such as bereavement services up to 13 months after the patient passes away and access to chaplaincy care.
“One of the biggest benefits of this partnership is the option for patients and their loved ones to transition from curative treatment to receiving compassionate end-of-life care while they continue maintaining relationships with their care team at Moffitt,” said Kerry Hoerner, Empath’s senior vice president, hospice division.
WHO: Moffitt Cancer Center and Empath Health
WHAT: New hospice partnership
WHEN: Services will be available starting April 1
WHERE: Moffitt Cancer Center
About Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of only 57 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt’s expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet® status, its highest distinction. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-888-663-3488), visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
About Empath Health
Empath Health is a leading not-for-profit healthcare organization dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support to individuals facing chronic, advanced, and terminal illnesses, as well as those navigating grief. Our integrated network of services encompasses skilled medical care, holistic programs, and expert support tailored to each individual's needs.
Our range of services includes hospice, home health, palliative care, grief support, elder care, HIV/STI prevention and services, primary care, and physician services. We take pride in serving approximately 76,000 individuals through our Full Life Care programs across Florida, offering a seamless continuum of care that bridges chronic, advanced, and terminal care stages.
At Empath Health, we are committed to our charitable mission, reflected in our diverse community-based programs designed to enhance the well-being of those we serve. Learn more at EmpathHealth.org or call us at 888.855.2838.
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