FAIRHOPE Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. purchases building to expand palliative care services

LANCASTER — FAIRHOPE Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. announced that it has purchased a building at 1319 E. Main St., Lancaster.

The building will allow FAIRHOPE to expand its palliative care services by opening a clinic specifically designed for palliative patients, according to a news release.

Palliative care is medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, while enhancing the quality of life for patients and families. Palliative care is a nurse practitioner program that is overseen by physicians. Currently, FAIRHOPE serves 300 palliative care patients.

In 2004, FAIRHOPE established a palliative care program which was a partnership with Fairfield Medical Center (FMC). A four-bed palliative care unit was created at the hospital for patients with serious illnesses. FAIRHOPE also provided leadership and educational training for the palliative care staff at FMC.

“We are thrilled to have this amazing opportunity to expand our palliative care program to meet the growing needs of our community and patients,” said FAIRHOPE CEO Kristin Glasure in the news release. “Opening a clinic that allows us to better respond to patients with serious illnesses has been in our vision for several years.”

“Patients who may have a serious illness are still active,” said Seth White, vice president of FAIRHOPE. “Many patients who suffer a serious illness may go to work and their doctor’s appointments. They do not always want us to come to their home. They are still independent and would prefer to visit a clinic. This new palliative care clinic will allow them to continue their independence.”

Once FAIRHOPE completes all the necessary regulatory requirements, it will move forward with setting an opening date for the clinic. The palliative care clinic will be in Dr. Scott DeLong’s former building. Dr. Jerig’s practice will remain on one side of the building, and the palliative care clinic will occupy the other.

“We look forward to continuing our outstanding partnerships with local medical care professionals and providers, including Fairfield Medical Center,” said Glasure.

To learn more about FAIRHOPE Hospice & Palliative Care, visit www.fairhopehospice.org, or find them onFacebook at www.facebook.com/FairhopeHospice.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: FAIRHOPE Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. purchases building to expand palliative care services