DCH Health System Adds Outpatient Palliative Care for Post-Hospital Patients

DCH Health System will expand its West Alabama Palliative Care program on August 10, extending specialized support to patients after they leave the hospital.

The expansion adds outpatient palliative care services for patients transitioning from a DCH hospitalization into a rehabilitation stay, allowing providers to follow up with patients at their therapy facilities and continue supporting them as they navigate their recovery. Patients who received inpatient palliative care during their hospital stay may be referred by their physician as part of their discharge plan.

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West Alabama Palliative Care has supported patients with serious illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, and lung disease, since 2016. The program focuses on relieving pain, fatigue, nausea, and shortness of breath while providing emotional support, care coordination, and assistance with complex medical decision-making. Patients can receive palliative care alongside curative treatment at any stage of illness.

The program is led by Medical Director Dr. John Miller and Dr. Sarah Pederson, a licensed social worker, who work with an interdisciplinary team alongside patients, families, and rehabilitation teams.

"Our goal is to help patients live as well as possible while navigating serious illness," Miller said. "Palliative care is about treating the whole person — not just the disease. By managing symptoms, supporting families, and helping patients make informed decisions about their care, we can improve quality of life at every stage of treatment."

Pederson said the expansion addresses a critical gap in care.

"A serious illness affects every part of a person's life — not just their physical health," Pederson said. "Our role is to help patients and their families navigate the emotional, practical and personal challenges that often come with the transition of care from hospital to rehabilitation facility."

The expansion was made possible through the DCH Foundation and fundraising from the 2025 DCH Foundation Ball.

Brandt LaPish, VP of Development for DCH Health System and Executive Director of the DCH Foundation, said the gift reflects a community-wide investment in patient care.

"West Alabama Palliative Care is a powerful example of that investment at work, providing patients and their families with the specialized support they need while navigating serious illness," LaPish said. "We are deeply grateful to the team and donors whose generosity made this important expansion possible."

For more information, call (205) 759-7904.

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