Palliative care and hospice care services in the Wellbeing services county of Vantaa and Kerava

The Wellbeing services county of Vantaa and Kerava includes two cities, many villages and 280,000 inhabitants.

In the Vantaa and Kerava wellbeing services county (VAKE), the special-level (B-level) palliative care center treats patients with severe symptoms that significantly reduce quality of life.

Underlying conditions may include advanced cancer, hematologic disease, heart, kidney and/or liver failure, severe lung disease (such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis), or progressive neurological disease (for example ALS). Outpatient services are available at the VAKE palliative outpatient clinic. The VAKE home hospital provides doctor and/or nurse home visits for patients in poor condition living at home. When inpatient care is needed, patients are primarily directed to the palliative and end-of-life care ward (Ward 5) at Katriina Hospital. Access to VAKE palliative center services requires a doctor’s referral.

VAKE palliative center also offers palliative consultation support to all hospitals in the wellbeing area (including Peijas Hospital), health centers, and residential care services. VAKE palliative center is a training unit for palliative medicine, and several physicians hold a special competence in palliative medicine.

Demanding special-level (C-level) end-of-life care is provided at Terhokoti. The payment commitment is granted by the HUS palliative center. Terhokoti primarily cares for younger patients who have underage children.

Outpatient clinic

The VAKE palliative outpatient clinic is located in Vantaa at Katriina Hospital, near Ward 5. The clinic also performs palliative procedures.

Home hospital

The Home Hospital serves the entire Vantaa and Kerava wellbeing area. Nurse home visits are provided around the clock, every day of the week, while doctor home visits take place on weekdays during office hours. Cooperation with the VAKE palliative outpatient clinic is seamless. The Home Hospital staff is experienced and specialized in palliative care. The wellbeing of family members is also taken into account. With the support of the Home Hospital, home-based end-of-life care is possible, but if staying at home is no longer feasible, the Home Hospital arranges transfer to a support ward – primarily to ward 5 at Katriina Hospital. Efforts are made to avoid burdensome and often unnecessary visits to the emergency department.

In addition to caring for palliative patients, the Home Hospital also administers intravenous medication or fluid therapy prescribed by the emergency department, hospital wards, or health centers at the patient’s home.

At-home Hospital (vakehyva.fi)

Inpatient care

Ward 5 at Katriina Hospital is a special-level palliative and hospice care unit. The ward staff includes registered nurses, practical nurses, a secretary, and a physiotherapist. When needed, assessments can also be provided by an occupational therapist, speech therapist, or dietitian. The hospital also has social workers and a hospital chaplain. The care team is experienced and well-trained in palliative care. Nursing emphasizes comprehensive symptom management. Patients’ and relatives’ views are taken into account when planning care. There are 16+1 beds, and the ward offers both single and double rooms. Family members have the possibility to stay overnight at the ward.

Updated 18.11.2025