Mercy Medical Center’s 8‑bed palliative care unit wins community support as leaders seek funds to expand

Mercy Medical Center leaders and community fundraisers on Wednesday described the operations, early outcomes and financing behind a newly established eight‑bed palliative care unit and said they are seeking additional donations to double capacity.

Dr. Phil Glenn, medical oncologist and co‑director of the palliative care unit at Mercy Medical Center, said the unit treats patients with serious illnesses to manage symptoms and improve quality of life, not solely those at the end of life. "Palliative care is not just for people at end of life," Glenn said. "It's an interdisciplinary, medical subspecialty" that integrates nursing, social work and discharge planning.

The project has attracted local support: former Springfield City councilor Tony Robosa said the effort has raised $1.5 million so far, including $250,000 provided by the City of Springfield from American Rescue Plan Act funds. "I dare challenge anyone to say that the use of ARPA funds in this instance...wasn't an entirely appropriate use of those dollars," Robosa said, describing the unit as a…