RENO — Saint Mary’s Palliative Care was recently awarded certification by the Joint Commission, making it the first program in Nevada to be certified and one of 10 programs in the nation. The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification Program for Palliative Care recognizes hospital inpatient programs that demonstrate exceptional patient and family-centered care and optimize the quality of life for patients, both adult and pediatric, with serious illness.

“This certification represents our focus and commitment to offering quality services and care to our patients,” said Piper Gals, director of Hospice and Palliative Care at Saint Mary’s. “Our practice standards are very high and we work diligently to enhance our programs so patients and their families have the best treatment options available.”

Palliative care is designed to prevent or treat the symptoms of the disease, side effects caused by the treatment and psychological, social and spiritual problems related to the disease. Saint Mary’s Palliative Care currently cares for nearly 100 patients on both an inpatient and outpatient basis and is one of few providers in the area to offer pediatric palliative care services.

For more information, call 770-7256.