Pediatric Palliative Care
Whole-Family Support for Complex Illness in New Jersey
Caring for a child with a serious or chronic condition involves more than just managing symptoms. It means addressing the emotional, physical, and social needs of your entire family. At Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health, our Pediatric Palliative Care program offers compassionate, whole-person support to help your child and family navigate complex medical care.
We proudly serve families across New Jersey through the certified pediatric palliative care program at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, one of the only programs of its kind in the state certified by Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. This means that we provide a formal care program led by a team of specialists with advanced training in pediatric palliative care and a process to support coordination of care and communication among all providers in a hospital setting.
What Pediatric Palliative Care Provides
Pediatric palliative care is not the same as curative treatment. Instead, it is an added layer of support that focuses on:
- Improving quality of life for children living with complex, chronic, or life-threatening illnesses
- Managing symptoms such as pain, discomfort, fatigue, or emotional distress
- Supporting families through difficult decisions by aligning care with your values, culture, and preferences
- Helping you feel heard by facilitating open communication between you, your child’s care team, and other healthcare providers
- Providing continuity throughout your child’s care journey, including outpatient visits, hospital stays, and home-based services
A Dedicated, Interdisciplinary Team
Your family will be supported by a team of professionals trained in pediatric palliative care, including:
- Pediatricians and palliative care physicians
- Pediatric nurse practitioners
- Social workers and child life specialists
- Creative arts therapists
- Bereavement and spiritual care counselors
Together, this team works to meet your family’s needs, medical and non-medical alike, with compassion and coordination.
Our Locations
at Hackensack University Medical Center
30 Prospect Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601
551-996-3283
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at Jersey Shore University Medical Center
1945 Route 33, Neptune, NJ 07753
732-776-3892
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Our Commitment to Quality Care
The Pediatric Palliative Care Team is available for both inpatient consultations and outpatient clinic visits. During a consult, we take time to understand:
- Your child’s symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment plan
- Your family’s goals and values
- Any emotional, psychological, or spiritual concerns you’d like to address
- How we can coordinate care and help communicate with your primary team
The care you receive is guided by your priorities, not just your child’s diagnosis. From easing symptoms to helping you make informed choices, we’re here to walk with you through every step.
Certified Excellence in New Jersey
Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital is Joint Commission-certified in pediatric palliative care, reflecting our commitment to high standards, advanced team training, and a formal process that ensures seamless coordination and communication across all providers involved in your child’s care.
