SUPPORTIVE AND PALLIATIVE CARE OF CANCER-PATIENTS AT THE KANTONSSPITAL ST-GALLEN, SWITZERLAND

In 1991, the first unit for oncology palliative care within an oncolog y centre in the country was opened in St. Gallen, Switzerland. The mai n admission criterion is symptom distress due to advanced cancer disea se. The mean duration of hospitalisation was 23 days in 140 patients i n 1994. Approximately one third of the patients die within the unit, w hile one third can be discharged for home care. The aims and strategie s of interdisciplinary palliative care are described. The need for the 11-bed unit is documented by its high occupancy, by patient satisfact ion and by its influence on palliative care development in and outside the country.