Lachine Hospital’s New Palliative Care Unit: A Space for Comfort and Dignity

The new Palliative Care Unit at the Lachine Hospital has been thoughtfully designed to prioritize the comfort and dignity of patients and their loved ones. Located within part of the expansion’s second floor, the unit will occupy rooms 1 to 10. These new spaces will provide a warm and inviting environment that will allow us to welcome more patients and their loved ones.

When someone is admitted to palliative care, every detail matters. A patient’s comfort, the presence of loved ones, the support available to families and a peaceful, reassuring environment become just as important as the care itself.

One of the unit’s most distinct features will undoubtedly be an outdoor terrace reserved for palliative care patients exclusively. Located on the 13th Avenue side of the building, it will offer direct access to the outdoors, giving people a peaceful place for fresh air, meaningful moments with others, or a change of scenery.

In the words of Vicky Morin, Nurse manager in Medical-Surgical and Palliative Care:

“Having a terrace is a true luxury for our Palliative Care Unit. It will give patients and families the opportunity to share precious moments together in a peaceful setting”.

Families will also have access to a dedicated new space created entirely with their needs in mind. A comfortable lounge, kitchenette, as well as a washer and dryer will create a home-like atmosphere, allowing them to focus on what matters most — being there for a loved one.

care model to support continuity

The opening of the new unit will further improve the way care is delivered.

The team led by Vicky Morin will continue to provide care across several units on the second and third floors. The key difference is that some nurses will be dedicated exclusively to palliative care, as the new unit includes 10 patient rooms – doubling its current capacity. This new model encourages the growth of specialized expertise while ensuring greater continuity of care.

As Assistant Head Nurse Rania Beyrouthy explains:

“This new unit will allow us to strengthen the expertise within our teams and ensure continuity of care, so that we can continue providing excellent care to patients and their families.”

The work of patient care attendants (PABs) will also be better supported thanks to the new layout, designed more effectively for their day-to-day realities.

“There’s no doubt that these new spaces will enhance patient comfort and well-being,”

says Monic Deslauriers, Patient Care Attendant.

A completely redesigned outpatient clinic

The changes extend beyond the inpatient rooms.

The outpatient Palliative Care Clinic will also be relocated to a space better adapted to the needs of patients. While the clinic already exists, it will now benefit from updated facilities including a comfortable waiting area, an examination room, dedicated physician offices, and an office for the liaison nurse.

The pivot nurse Mariela Gatej will play a key role in coordinating care and supporting patients throughout their journey. In her words:

“This is an important step forward that will make a real difference for both our team and the community we serve.”

Another significant improvement: the addition of an administrative agent dedicated to the Palliative Care Unit, including the outpatient clinic. This new team member will take on a range of administrative responsibilities, allowing the clinical team to devote more time and attention to patient care.

A profoundly human approach

Beyond the newness of the facilities, it is the interdisciplinary team that surrounds each patient that gives this unit its richness.

Patients will have access to a full range of supportive services to enhance their quality of life: pet therapy, therapeutic recreation, massage therapy, music therapy, volunteer support and spiritual care provided by Father Louis Turcotte.

According to Danielle Hirsh, Recreational Therapist:

“In the Palliative Care Unit, recreational therapy reduces stress, fosters moments of joy, and distracts from pain. It helps preserve a patient’s sense of personal identity at the end of life.”

Laurena Segura, Music Therapist, says :

“Music can act as a balm; helping to relieve anxiety and distress. Whether through active listening, singing, improvisation or song writing, music is there to support patients as well as their loved ones.”

Through thoughtfully designed spaces, a dedicated specialized team, and an expanded range of services, the new Palliative Care Unit embodies a simple yet meaningful commitment: compassionate care in an environment where patients and families experience each moment with comfort, dignity, and serenity.

From left to right in the photo: Mariela Gatej, Pivot Nurse, Oncology and Palliative Care; Laurena Segura, Music Therapist; Dr. Geneviève Chaput, Chief of the Department; Vicky Morin, Nurse Manager; Monic Deslauriers, Patient Care Attendant; Danielle Hirsh, Recreational Therapist; and Rania Beyrouthy, Assistant Head Nurse.