Changes urged in care for PA terminally ill children

Pennsylvania's healthcare system is not meeting the needs of terminally ill children and their families, according to a new report released by the state's Department of Public Welfare. The report found that families, particularly in rural areas, do not have sufficient access to hospice care, nor do they have adequate financial or emotional support. Hospitals, insurance companies, and doctors fail to recognize the needs of dying children, which leads to a host of problems, including painful treatments to keep them alive. Advocates say this often robs the child and family of pleasant times near the end of life.