Rowntree Palliative Care Centre: The impact of end-of-life care

He was a successful entrepreneur and a devoted family man, deeply influenced by the love he shared with his late wife, Bette. After Bette’s passing, Bryan’s mission became clear: to ensure people in Scarborough have 24/7 access to supportive, integrated palliative care based on their wishes at the end of their lives. 

Since its opening, the Rowntree Palliative Care Centre has made key developments to better support patients needing palliative services – whether in the hospital or hospice, or transitioning to at-home care. This includes growing the palliative care team, expanding outpatient care spaces, and being part of the launch of the Scarborough Palliative Care collaborative.

Learn more about Tharsika’s role as part of the transformation of palliative care at SHN in this Q-and-A!

Can you tell us about your work in palliative care?

I knew I wanted to work in palliative care ever since I volunteered at a hospice before entering nursing school. After accumulating valuable experience as a bedside nurse for six years, I was ready for a change. That’s when I saw an opportunity with SHN’s Rowntree Palliative Care Centre, and I truly believe it is where I need to be.

My work revolves around balancing medical expertise with compassionate support. I engage with patients and their families to understand their current and future goals, recognizing that care needs for those with life-limiting illnesses or receiving end-of-life care can change over time. My unique role requires me to collaborate continuously with both the interdisciplinary team in the hospital and community resources, ensuring smooth transitions from the hospital to home or other care settings.

What services are offered at the Rowntree Palliative Care Centre?

SHN’s Rowntree Palliative Care Centre focuses on person- and family-centered care, ensuring that our patients receive the necessary services, support, and resources throughout their journey. With a strong commitment to respecting social, spiritual, and cultural practices, our teams work to deliver seamless access to pain and symptom management, advance care planning, and end-of-life care.

We have an outpatient clinic located at our Centenary Hospital where we provide in-person and virtual appointments, as well as an inpatient palliative care unit at our General Hospital. We also work closely with our community partners through Scarborough Palliative Care to provide seamless access to services in Scarborough.

How has the Rowntree team grown? Has the care provided changed since new roles and skillsets have been introduced?

The Rowntree team has grown quite a bit in the past few months, which is fantastic for expanding our clinic. A number of physicians with a range of expertise have joined our team over the summer, working harmoniously with a nurse practitioner, clinic nurses, and new palliative care coordinators. This growth has helped not only me, but my entire team serve patients who need access to palliative care and follow-ups without requiring in-home services.

My fellow coordinators and I have been doing an incredible job ensuring that no patient slips through the cracks during their transition from hospital to home. Thanks to the additional expertise of our expanded team, we’re able to streamline our follow-up and check-in processes, improving patient experience and communication.

Can you recall a particular patient interaction that was very meaningful to your work?

Sometimes, families are hesitant to let our team get involved in their loved one’s care because it can feel scary or “too real,” which I completely empathize with.

I remember a particular instance where the daughter of a patient was hesitant about having a palliative team talk to her or her mom, thinking it meant “giving up” on her mom. It took a lot of reassurance and communication with both the patient and her daughter to help them understand our role in symptom management and improving quality of life. Over time, the daughter started to light up whenever she saw me and my team members because we were associated with relief and compassionate care. After her mom was admitted to hospice care, the daughter even called to thank us for the care we provided. That’s always stuck out in my mind.

We don’t push patients or families in any direction in terms of their care. It’s vital that we support them in the way they need.

What would you like the community to know about SHN’s Rowntree Palliative Care Centre?

Ever since joining the SHN team, I have been blown away by the culture here. Everyone pours their heart and soul into the care they provide, and it’s incredibly humbling to know that donors like the Rowntrees recognize how vital our work is. They want to ensure that our services are available to everyone who needs it. I’ve lived in Scarborough since 2005, so serving this unique patient population feels comforting. Being able to speak Tamil has also helped me connect with many patients and their families, navigating the complexities of cultural dynamics in illness.

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Tharsika’s dedication and compassion highlight the exceptional care provided at the Rowntree Palliative Care Centre. She and her colleagues are committed to ensuring that every patient receives the support they need during their journey. SHN is proud to have her as part of our team and grateful for the impact she makes in our community.

Accessing palliative care at SHN

To learn more about our Rowntree Palliative Care Centre, please visit www.shn.ca/palliative-care.

If you would like to access our services, including scheduling an appointment at our Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic or being seen at home, please have your primary care provider send a referral. 

For questions or to speak with a Palliative Care Coordinator, please call 416-284-8131 ext. 65035 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).