History
In June 1983, Mercy Fort Smith began reaching out to end-of-life patients with the creation of the Mercy Hospice program. The founders dreamed of a program that would allow terminally ill patients to return home for care and comfort in their final days. The program was staffed largely by volunteers and provided support and companionship for patients and families as well as transportation, shopping, personal care, spiritual support and more. Since its inception, the hospice program has thrived under the loving care of those called to its work. More evidence of their success came in July 2008 when a 12-bed hospice unit was opened inside the hospital. Beautifully appointed rooms and ample space for friends and family make this a home-away-from-home for those with terminal illnesses. In 2007, Mercy Hospice added palliative care to its list of services with the opening of a palliative care clinic inside the hospital. Palliative care is available to both inpatients and outpatients and
Specialties
Compassionate care for patients with life threatening illnesses.