The renovation involves refitting the former pediatric unit into the larger Sussman Palliative Care Unit. Located on the fourth floor, the rooms are designed to be private, with a couch that converts in to a bed for a family member to stay overnight.
The unit, named in memory of Albert and Phyllis Sussman, is expected to be operational by mid-April.
The URMC Palliative Care Program began in 2001 as an in-home consultation service. The program expanded over the last couple of years, developing specially trained staff for a dedicated inpatient unit for hard-to-treat cases.
Palliative care includes symptom and pain management and can be in conjunction with any treatment for the condition.
