The Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care (JBC) provides exceptional care for patients nearing the end of life who need hospital care.
The Jack Byrne Center is a separate building on the DHMC campus where patients and their families can focus on comfort and quality of life. Patients can access many of the treatments available at the hospital, such as IV pain medication, in a comfortable, home-like setting.
Patients may come to the Jack Byrne Center from DHMC. They may also come from the community if they are enrolled in hospice and need to be hospitalized for treatment of complex symptoms. Some patients come from to the JBC from the Emergency Department and from other local hospitals.
The JBC is staffed by members of the DHMC Palliative Care team, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, social workers, volunteers, and more. The team collaborates closely with patients and families to create a care plan that aligns with each person's goals and values.
The JBC provides a calm, peaceful environment where patients and their families can receive support from our team. Each patient at the JBC has their own room, with space for family to stay if they wish. Shared spaces like the family kitchen and dining room, library, and garden are available for patients and families to enjoy together.
Photo © Brian Vanden Brink
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to come to the Jack Byrne Center?
The JBC accepts patients with a serious or life-limiting illness who want care directed only towards their comfort, and have care needs that require them to be in the hospital. This is often for symptoms that are difficult to control outside the hospital, like pain or shortness of breath.
What kind of care does the Jack Byrne Center provide?
As part of the hospital, we can provide many of the treatments available there, including IV pain medication and oxygen support. Because of our focus on comfort-oriented treatment, we do not do invasive procedures or advanced life support.
How long can patients stay?
There is no set time limit. As long as a patient needs to be in the hospital, they can stay with us. Sometimes patients improve enough that they no longer need to stay in the hospital. In those cases, our team works with the patient and their family to arrange a safe discharge plan. This may be to go home with hospice or to another facility.
How do my family member or I get admitted to the Jack Byrne Center?
If you are currently hospitalized, talk to the medical team caring for you about whether the Jack Byrne Center is an appropriate place for you. If you are currently home and enrolled in hospice, talk to your hospice team.
Does insurance cover my stay at the Jack Byrne Center?
Hospitalization at the JBC is covered by the same insurance that covers your stay at the main hospital. If you are enrolled in hospice and are admitted to the JBC, your stay is covered as part of your hospice care.
Our location
The Jack Byrne Center is located at 154 Hitchcock Loop Road, just across from the main hospital. There is dedicated parking at the JBC for visitors, who are welcome any time.
- View our location on the Patient Parking Map (PDF).
- Get directions via Google Maps.
Take a video tour
Our team care
The team at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care, part of the Palliative Care Program, offers you multidisciplinary expertise. Our team works with local care providers to render the best possible care. Meet our team.
Meet our medical director
Support the Jack Byrne Center
Make a gift
Generosity is at the heart of the Jack Byrne Center. Construction of the facility was made possible by the Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation and by the many contributors who joined in supporting the vision for the Center. We continue to rely on the generosity of friends and community members who value the care and services we provide.
Your gift to the Jack Byrne Center will help to ensure that the special programs and support services provided by our staff and volunteers are here for patients and families during difficult times.
Make a gift to the Jack Byrne Center
Volunteer at the Jack Byrne Center
Our volunteers generously give their time to support the patients and families at the Jack Byrne Center. Volunteer opportunities include providing companionship and one-on-one support, entertaining patients and families, baking in the family kitchen, and helping patients and their loved ones in a variety of other ways.