Palliative Care
The Palliative Care Program provides compassionate care for patients living with life-limiting illness or requiring end-of-life care.
Patients in the Palliative Care Program are cared for by an interprofessional team of social workers, occupational therapists, clinical nurse specialists, nurses, physiotherapists, speech language pathologists, registered practical nurses, physicians and more, who support patients at all stages of their palliative care journey.
Palliative care is delivered across all three sites and in both inpatient and outpatient settings, addressing the physical, emotional, spiritual and practical needs of each patient and caregiver.
State-of-the-art spaces
Personalized outpatient services
Specialized neuro-palliative care
1000+
patients cared for annually
St. Michael’s Hospital develops compassionate approach to support critically ill patients at end-of-life
“This is often one of their final wants and wishes for their loved one, and we’re pleased that we can support them with that.”
Ongoing education and support for patients, families and staff members is also provided through the following resources:
- 10 myths about Palliative Care
- Considerations for a home death
- How to talk to your doctor
- Financial assistance for funerals, burials and cremations
- When someone close to you is dying
- Compassionate care benefits
- When a loved one dies
- The Ontario Caregiver Association
- Tips for talking with someone who is dying
- Powers of Attorney
- Advance care planning conversations
- Death resources in Ontario
Palliative Care at St. Joseph's Health Centre
Please see below for important information for new and existing patients.
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Contact us
St. Joseph’s Health Centre
30 The Queensway, Toronto, ON M6R 1B5
Morrow Wing, 5th floor
416-530-6346
Our services
At St. Joseph’s Health Centre, we offer inpatient, consultative and outpatient care for patients living with life-limiting illness or at end-of-life. We strive to uphold the values of compassion, human dignity, community, inclusivity and excellence through all three areas of the program:
- Inpatient palliative care unit
- Outpatient Palliative Care and Symptom Improvement Clinic (PaCSI)
- Consult service
Learn more about the inpatient and outpatient program areas below.
Thanks to the support of a generous donor, the new 15,000-square foot Lake House Palliative Care Centre at St. Joseph’s Health Centre has 10 inpatient beds and features private rooms, views of Lake Ontario and is designed to provide a therapeutic, comforting environment with peace and tranquility, for end of life care. It also features a patient lounge, two family rooms, a family kitchen, a family lounge and an education centre. Learn more about centre.
Please speak to your existing care provider for a referral to our inpatient services. Our team receives referrals through the Resource Matching and Referral system.
Newly opened is our Palliative Care and Symptom Improvement Clinic. This clinic is focused on providing care for patients with life limiting illness living in the community. As an interprofessional team, our goal is to provide exemplary end of life care, symptom management and end of life resource navigation for patients who choose to receive palliative care at home.
Referrals can be made using this referral form. Please review the referral guidelines in advance.
Palliative Care at St. Michael's Hospital
Please see below for important information for new and existing patients.
Contact us
St. Michael’s Hospital
30 Bond St. Toronto, ON M5B 1W8
Peter Gilgan Patient Care Tower, 7th floor
416-864-5226 (phone)
416-864-5297 (fax)
The closest main entrance to the Palliative Care Unit is the Peter Gilgan Patient Care Tower entrance, located near the corner of Queen Street East and Victoria Street.
Our services
The St. Michael’s Palliative Care Service provides inpatient care on our 10-bed unit, a consultation service for individuals admitted to St. Michael’s and a Symptom Improvement Service, which provides outpatient support.
Learn more about these program areas below.
Our palliative care unit is a 10-bed unit comprised of three large semi-private rooms and four single rooms. The space is designed to support patients as well as their family/caregivers with an open-concept kitchen/lounge/dining area and laundry facilities. With an environment structured for comfort and convenience, communication tools including iPads are available on the unit to support virtual visits for patients and families if needed. Our team of professionals is there 24/7 to support and meet the individualized needs of our patients.
Please speak to your existing care provider for a referral to our inpatient services. Our team receives referrals through the Resource Matching and Referral system.
The Palliative Care and Symptom Improvement Clinic is focused on providing care for patients with life limiting illness living in the community. As an interprofessional team, our goal is to provide exemplary end of life care, symptom management and end of life resource navigation for patients who choose to receive palliative care at home. This clinic offers virtual and in-person appointments allowing patients to receive care in the setting they prefer.
Palliative Care at Providence Healthcare
Please see below for important information for new and existing patients.
Contact us
Providence Healthcare
3276 St. Clair Ave E., Scarborough, ON M1L 1W1
D-Wing, 1st and 3rd floors
416-285-3744
Our services
Our 35-bed Palliative Care Unit is located on the 3rd Floor of the D-Wing. We have a legacy of compassionate care that addresses the physical, emotional, spiritual and practical needs of people experiencing the end-stage symptoms of a life-limiting illness.
Please speak to your existing care provider for a referral to our inpatient services. Our team receives referrals through the Resource Matching and Referral system.
This clinic supports the management of complex neurological symptoms, prognostication for neurological illnesses, initiates and continues future planning, advances care planning and goals of care discussions with patients, families and caregivers, and management of end-of-life care issues.
The clinic utilizes a shared care model, which provides care through collaboration with the patient’s primary care team, other specialists and any neurologists involved in the patient’s care.
The clinic is led by Dr. Usha Ramanathan, a neurologist who offers specialist neuro-palliative care services. Her research is directed towards reducing inequities in delivery of palliative care for people with neurological illnesses, with an interest in use of large health datasets.
Physician referral is required. To make a referral to the Outpatient Neuro-palliative Care Clinic, please complete this Outpatient Neuro-Palliative Care Clinic external referral form. Physician referrals can be faxed to: 416-285-3764.
Providence Healthcare Foundation
At Providence Healthcare, people are not defined by their illnesses or injuries. They are supported and empowered to live with dignity and purpose. As a national leader in rehabilitation science, palliative, and long-term care—and a pioneer in healthy aging—we are renowned for delivering personalized care that prioritizes quality of life.
Exceptional care. For everyone. In every critical moment. Without exception. That’s a promise our donors make possible.
Last updated June 10, 2026