Compassionate Care for Children and Families
Pediatric palliative care is comprehensive support for children with complex, ongoing or serious medical conditions and their families. Our multidisciplinary team will provide an individualized plan of care that addresses the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of your child and family, and aligns with your values and preferences. We can help ease pain and enhance quality of life for your child throughout their journey.
As Central Florida's largest pediatric palliative care program, Orlando Health Children's Arnold Palmer Hospital has fellowship-trained, board-certified palliative care specialists to support children and their families from before birth through the transition to adulthood. We work closely with other specialists at Orlando Health Children's Arnold Palmer Hospital and Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies to provide collaborative services, including:
Our Dedicated Team
Board-certified physicians
Advanced care practitioner
Licensed mental health counselors
RN Care Coordinator
Bereavement specialist
Chaplain
Meet the Orlando Health Children's Team
Our team of pediatric experts is united by a shared commitment to helping children thrive. From primary care providers to highly specialized physicians, nurses, and caregivers, we work together to deliver compassionate, coordinated care tailored to every child and family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Palliative care helps manage the symptoms, discomfort and stress of a chronic illness for a child. Our pediatric palliative care providers also:
- Explore goals to develop a plan of care
- Provide emotional support that respects your family's cultural values
- Start open discussions about options for care for your child
Children living with chronic (ongoing) or complex illnesses often experience physical and emotional distress related to their condition. If your child has a genetic disorder, cancer, neurologic disorder, heart or lung condition, or another chronic or complex illness, palliative care may help reduce pain and enhance quality of life. Ask your doctor about palliative care if your child or any member of your family:
- Experiences physical pain or emotional distress that is not under control
- Needs help understanding a health condition
- Needs support coordinating patient care
The palliative care process begins when a doctor refers you to our palliative care services. Or you can ask your provider for a referral if you feel palliative care may be helpful.
Yes. You do not have to change to a new primary healthcare provider when starting palliative care. The Orlando Health Children's Arnold Palmer Hospital palliative care team and your doctor work together to help you identify the most effective care plan for you and your family.