LYNN, MA – February 10, 2011 – All Care Hospice is pleased to announce that Dr. Lewis S. Hays, their medical director, has successfullyearned his sub-specialty board certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). He has been board certified in Internal Medicine since 1979, a Hospice Medical Director on the North Shore since 1999, and the Medical Director at All Care Hospice since 2006.
ABIM works to enhance the quality of health care by certifying internists and sub-specialists who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for excellent patient care.
“Dr. Hays is one of very few physicians in our area who is board certified in this newly recognized but essential specialty,” said Shawn Potter, President and CEO of All Care Hospice. “Dr. Hays’ commitment to obtaining his hospice and palliative medicine subspecialty board certification demonstrates his dedication to high-quality and compassionate end-of-life care.”
Hospice and Palliative Medicine is the treatment of patients living with life-limiting or severe advanced illness, and is particularly focused on alleviating suffering and promoting quality of life. “Hospice and Palliative Care is about helping terminally ill patients live out their lives to the fullest. Our focus is to help our patients and their families face the prospect of death assured that their comfort and dignity will be our priority, their values and decisions will be respected, and their psychological, social, and spiritual will be met, “ says Dr. Hays. “ The care and comfort of our patients and their families is our number one priority.”
A growing body of research suggests that Board Certified physicians deliver higher quality care than non-certified physicians. Board Certification demonstrates to the public that physicians have met the highest standards of internal medicine and its subspecialties. Board Certification is voluntary and includes an exam that tests a physician’s ability to diagnose and treat patients with a broad range of conditions.
Dr. Hays is available for hospice and palliative care consultations. Please call 800-351-8402 to schedule a consultation.
Founded in 1911, All Care VNA is a Medicare/Medicaid-certified agency offering services of nurses, home health aides, specialists in geriatrics, oncology, diabetes, physical, occupational, and speech therapies as well as palliative care. All Care Hospice provides the highest quality medical and emotional care for those with life-limiting illnesses, as well as respite care, spiritual support, and bereavement counseling for families. All Care also offers All Care Resources, our private pay division for flexible in-home services. All Care employs nearly 600 people between its Lynn headquarters and Wakefield, North Andover, and Charlestown satellite offices. For more information please call 1-800-287-2454.