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Adventist St. Thomas Hospice Staff

Director: Pam Mezyk, R.N., BSN.,CHPN has been with St. Thomas since 1997.

Medical Director: Dr. Eric Spratford is in private practice in Westchester. His background includes publications and training in pain management and hospice care.  Dr. Rajeev Kumar is a board-certified geriatrician, a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and is part of the Department of Geriatrics at Adventist La Grange and Hinsdale Hospitals.

Nurses: The nurses of Adventist St. Thomas Hospice have a wide range of work experiences, and many have advanced degrees. Thirteen of those nurses are certified in Hospice and Palliative Care. Our dedicated nursing staff, many of whom have been with St. Thomas 10 years or longer, has an average of 5.4 years of experience with our hospice. Each patient is assigned a primary nurse, who functions as a case manager. The nurse provides ongoing support and education for the patient and family, while coordinating pain and symptom control under the direction of the patient's physician. They are available when needed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Medical Social Workers: Adventist St. Thomas Hospice Medical Social Workers, provide ongoing psychosocial and emotional support for patients and families, and work closely with the hospice team.

Certified Nurses Aides: The Certified Nurses Aides work closely under the supervision of the Registered Nurses, providing personal care and light housekeeping for our patients and families.

Chaplains: St. Thomas's chaplains are available to our patients and families to provide ongoing spiritual assistance and support.

Bereavement Coordinators: St. Thomas's Bereavement Coordinators are available for support to the patients and families upon admission to the hospice program, and continue to provide support throughout the thirteen month bereavement program.

Volunteer Coordinators: The Volunteer Coordinators supervise and coordinate the activities of 100 volunteers, who are available for assistance, companionship and support for our patients and families.

Volunteers: Hospice volunteers are cherished members of the Hospice team. They are specially trained and provide services, which are extremely important in assisting the patient and family through this difficult period. They may be involved in direct patient care, office help, special projects, and bereavement services.

Office Staff: Adventist St. Thomas Hospice boasts a dedicated office staff, who provide the administrative support that keeps the hospice functioning on a day to day basis.