The Palliative Care Department of Good Shepherd Hospice works hard in making the right connections to get patients the services they need when dealing with psycho-social issues relating to an illness in addition to dealing with pain and symptom management. Coordination of care is provided by a social work advocate and involves an initial clinical assessment, interfaith spiritual care and volunteers to provide a multitude of services based on need. Referrals may be initiated by patients, caregivers, family members, friends, or healthcare professionals, without regard to age, race, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.