The Palliative Care Unit – Apeksha Hospital (NCISL)
● The Palliative Care Service at the National Cancer Institute, Sri Lanka, was established in August 2015 as an outpatient clinic dedicated to supporting patients with cancer through all stages of their illness.
● Since 2017, it has operated as a specialized unit providing integrated care for cancer patients.
● In recognition of its high standards and commitment to comprehensive cancer care, the Palliative Care Unit was accredited as a European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Designated Centre for Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care in 2022.
● The unit’s recognition has been extended until 2028, reflecting its commitment to high-quality onco-palliative care.
The Multidisciplinary Team
● Today, the unit is staffed by six medical officers who have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine and five nursing officers and among three nurses have completed diploma in palliative nursing.
● They work under the guidance of six consultant clinical oncologists and an oncological surgeon , all of whom are specialist trainers in palliative care, providing holistic, patient- and family-centred support
The Services We Provide
- Comprehensive Patient Care
– Consultative palliative care for adults and children through outpatient clinics, inpatient services and hotline services (including weekends and public holidays).
– Management of pain and complex symptoms in collaboration with the Pain Management Unit. - Special Nursing Services
– Provision of wound care, feeding tube care, and other procedures to enhance comfort and quality of life. - Psychosocial and Spiritual Support
– Assessment and referral for psychological and psychiatric care, social support through financial assistance and NGO collaboration, and spiritual support aligned with individual beliefs. - Surgical Palliative Interventions
– Partnership with the onco-surgical team for wound management, feeding access, and other symptom-relieving procedures. - Continuity of Care
– Shared care planning with oncology teams and provision of home-based and hospice-based care through public health nursing officers.
– Facilitation of essential home-use equipment (e.g., oxygen, air mattresses, wheelchairs). - End-of-Life and Bereavement Support
– Supportive care planning, terminal care, and bereavement services for patients and their families. - Education, Training & Research
– Leading national centre for palliative care training for undergraduates, postgraduates, and healthcare professionals.
– Conducts regular workshops, produces educational materials, and undertakes clinical audits and research for service improvement.