Comfort and Compassion for Quality of Life

St. Catherine of Siena Hospital's palliative care program helps patients achieve the best quality of life. Our team of experts offers guidance and emotional support for patients and families coping with the challenges of a serious illness.

We help with complex medical decisions and coordinate care and treatment with doctors at any stage of an illness. The goal is to relieve pain, manage symptoms and reduce stress. Palliative care can be initiated from the time of diagnosis to advanced disease and is often given alongside a curative treatment plan.

The hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification in Palliative Care.

Call  631-862-3000 for more information on our palliative care program.

Learn about the difference between palliative care and hospice care

Our Palliative Care Program

St. Catherine of Siena palliative care team

Pain and Symptom Management
Our board-certified physicians are experts in the management of pain and other distressing symptoms associated with illness or treatments, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping.

Family Meetings
An opportunity for the patient and family to share concerns, ask questions and provide information to help clarify the wishes of the patient for their care. Enhancing communication between patients, families and the health care team helps to ensure that individualized needs are being fully met. The goal of the palliative care team is to support the patient and their loved ones through this journey.

Support Services
The diagnosis of a serious illness is a major life-changing event. Upon hearing the diagnosis, a patient, as well as loved ones, may be thrown into a whirlwind of emotions ranging from fear or anger to denial and overwhelming sadness. It is difficult enough to deal with the physical challenges of illness and treatment. But the emotional impact can be an even greater burden.

Patients and loved ones need to be able to share these feelings. Our specially trained social workers and pastoral care team members are here to listen and support you and your family. Support groups are also available to offer a confidential atmosphere where patients and families can share their fears and concerns with others experiencing a similar situation.

Palliative Care Outpatient Center
Palliative care can also be received at our outpatient center, which allows our team to address the varied needs of patients and their families earlier in the course of their illness. This support service specializes in managing symptoms associated with illness and/or treatments while also addressing any social, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs.

Our palliative care experts include:

  • Board-certified physicians
  • Certified nurse practitioners
  • Certified registered nurses
  • Child life specialists
  • Home care nurses
  • Home health aides
  • Physical and occupational therapists
  • Registered dietitians
  • Social workers
  • Spiritual counselors

Our palliative care consultation team:

  • Pedro Calves, MD, FACP, FCCP, Senior Assistant Medical Director
  • Emily Copel, DO, Palliative Care Physician
  • Gina Zarrilli, DO, FCCP, Palliative Care Physician
  • Sister Edith Menegus, OSU, Director, Pastoral Care
  • Roberta Levesque, BSN, RN, CHPN, Palliative Care Manager
  • Jenny Bright, RN, BSN, CHPN Coordinator
  • Tracey O'Reilly, LCSW, Palliative Care Social Worker