A Focus on Comfort

No matter how hard we try, children suffer pain, whether from an accident or injury, or from necessary treatment. The pain and palliative care program at CHKD offers acute and chronic pain management for pediatric patients.

We also provide palliative care – comfort care – to children who have life-limiting illnesses or chronic, complex medical conditions. Our goal is to make sure patients are living as well as possible, for as long as possible, while ensuring that the needs and wishes of families stay at the forefront of our care.

How We Help

We work closely with the patient's medical care team to create a comprehensive plan that provides comfort and support with a focus on quality of life.

Our Services Include:

  • Treatment for acute or short-lived pain related to illness or injury.
  • Treatment for chronic pain.
  • Care and support at any stage of illness.
  • Management of distressing symptoms associated with life-limiting illnesses.
  • Promoting healing and comfort with a child and family-centered approach.
  • Providing communications about the illness process and options for care.
  • Helping patients and families make decisions consistent with what is most important to them.
  • Advanced care planning.

Before Your Appointment

Please help us by arriving 15 minutes early to register for your appointment. It is very important to bring your insurance card and identification card as well as a list of any medication your child is taking. We encourage you to come prepared with past medical records and any questions you may have for our team. You may also fax these to our office ahead of time for our physician to review.

A parent or legal guardian must accompany your child to this appointment. Legal guardians must bring guardianship papers with them. If you wish to send your child with another adult, such as a grandparent, we must have a signed letter of consent granting that individual permission to complete paperwork on your behalf and to make healthcare decisions for your child.

Medication Refills

To request a refill, please call (757) 668-8616, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Refills cannot be processed after regular office hours, or on holidays or weekends. Please allow 48 hours to complete medication requests and to obtain authorizations, as required, by your insurance policy.