Palliative care, also known as palliative medicine, is a specialist medical service focused on improving quality of life for people living with serious or life-threatening illnesses. At Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi, our palliative care team provides expert symptom management, emotional support, and personalised care planning for both patients and their families.
Palliative care is appropriate at any stage of illness, from the time of diagnosis onwards. It can be provided alongside curative or life-prolonging treatments, ensuring patients receive comprehensive, holistic support throughout their healthcare journey. The goal is not only to help manage symptoms, but also to support emotional wellbeing, maintain dignity, and improve overall comfort.
At Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi, we understand that every patient’s experience is unique. Living with a serious illness can affect not only physical health, but also emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual wellbeing. Our palliative care specialists work closely with patients, families, and other medical teams to ensure every aspect of care is addressed with compassion and sensitivity.
What Does Palliative Care Involve?
Every patient’s needs are different, which is why our approach is highly individualised. We provide support for a wide range of physical symptoms that may occur during serious illness or as a side effect of treatment.
Physical symptom management may include:
- Pain
- Breathlessness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Constipation or other digestive symptoms
Our team works closely with the patient’s primary doctors and specialists to ensure symptoms are managed effectively, helping patients feel as comfortable and independent as possible.
Palliative care also focuses on emotional and psychological wellbeing. Serious illness can often bring feelings of anxiety, sadness, fear, uncertainty, or emotional distress. Patients may worry about their future, their treatment, or the impact their illness may have on loved ones.
Psychological and emotional support may include:
- Anxiety management
- Support for depression
- Emotional counselling
- Coping strategies for patients and family members
- Guidance during times of uncertainty or stress
Holistic Support for Patients and Families
At Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi, our palliative care service provides whole-person care that supports both the patient and their family.
We offer:
- Spiritual and emotional support for patients and loved ones
- Clear communication about diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options
- Coordination of care with the wider medical team
- Support with complex medical decision-making
- Assistance with advance care planning
- Ensuring care aligns with the patient’s values, goals, and preferences
We believe patients and families should play a central role in care decisions. Our team encourages open, compassionate conversations so that everyone involved feels informed, supported, and empowered.
End-of-Life Care
As illness progresses, our team provides expert end-of-life care, helping patients and families prepare for the changes ahead with dignity, respect, and compassion.
We offer guidance on managing symptoms in the final stages of life, emotional and psychological support during difficult decisions, and compassionate care for families throughout this challenging time. We also provide signposting for bereavement support and other resources that may help loved one’s cope after the loss of a family member.
How to Access Our Palliative Care Services
A referral to the palliative care service at Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi can be made by your doctor or specialist, or you can request a consultation directly. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centred care that supports comfort, dignity, and quality of life at every stage.
