Building Palliative Care Across a System:  Challenges, Opportunities and Signs of Hope is an audio conference sponsored by Supportive Care Coalition, broadcast from their quarterly meeting, that will feature SSM Health Care (SSMHC) and their story of developing a comprehensive palliative care program throughout the entire SSMHC system. Sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Mary and based in St. Louis, Mo., SSMHC is one of the largest Catholic systems in the country. It owns, manages and is affiliated with 20 acute care hospitals and two nursing homes in four states: Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin and Oklahoma. Hear how the program started, challenges encountered and overcome, present status, and plans and strategies for the future. Two particular palliative care programs within SSMHC will be spotlighted for their innovation and competent strides.  Presenters are Jane W. Lowrey, MDiv, BSN, RN-BC, CHPN, Palliative Care Coordinator at St. Anthony Hospital; Michael R. Panicola, Ph.D, Vice President, Ethics for SSM Health Care; and Sally Waters, RN, BSN, CHPN, Palliative Care Coordinator at St. Mary's Good Samaritan. 

Registration deadline is Friday, September 14 for the Thursday, September 20, 2007 / 11:30 to 12:30 pm CDT presentation.  For those unable to tune in during the live presentation, an online playback of the discussion will be available. To register for the conference or the playback, please click the following link,
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=hWhX60R8RGcjU7EEuOl8Gg_3d_3d