SILVERDALE — Dr. Pat Borman joined the Leadership of the Hospice team as medical director last summer and she also brought with her, expertise garnered from a fellowship at the Institute of Palliative Medicine, internationally recognized as the largest center for training in hospice and palliative care.

Before joining Hospice of Kitsap County, Borman opened her own business, Medical Home Visits. She practiced the art of house calls, delivering palliative care to home-bound patients and their families.

She has developed a similar palliative program for HKC.

Palliative care is the newest sub specialty approved in 2008 by the American Board of Medical Specialists.

The term is derived from the Latin root of “palliare” meaning cloak or covering.

Palliative care improves the quality of life for patients and families coping with serious illness. Potential sources of suffering include uncomfortable physical symptoms, the emotional and psychosocial impact of illness and spiritual concerns as the end of life approaches.

Palliative care is not limited by age, or diagnosis. It can be offered at any stage during an illness: during curative treatments, skilled nursing care and home. Most insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid typically cover palliative care.

The Hospice of Kitsap County’s newly launched Palliative Care program is designed to support patients and families coping with serious illness.