The People Who Work for You: Together, at Your Child’s Side
At the Palliative and Comfort Care Unit, we believe that no single professional’s expertise is enough when a child is facing a serious illness. The strength of our team lies in interdisciplinary collaboration: doctors, nurses, psychologists and other support professionals work closely together to address every aspect of the child’s needs – whether physical, emotional or social.
- Dr. Gábor Benyó
I am the Clinical Lead of the Palliative and Comfort Care Unit and have been practising medicine since 1989. I gained my professional experience at the Pediatric Center of Semmelweis University, in the stem cell transplantation unit at Szent László Hospital, and as a consultant to hospitals across Hungary. Drawing on this experience, I support the provision of comprehensive and appropriate treatment for children living with a wide range of life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. I am deeply committed to delivering holistic, high-quality care to children and their families, as well as promoting greater professional and public recognition of the palliative and hospice approach. My message to families is that a highly skilled and compassionate team is here to support them – to ease even the smallest difficulties on the path to recovery or to living as fully as possible with a chronic illness, from the very beginning to the end of our shared journey.
- Virág Gyurcsok
I work as a Paediatric Oncology Coordinator. My role in palliative and comfort care is to create a clear and effective system that bridges medical decision-making and day-to-day care, making this period more predictable for children and their families. Every day, I see how exploring possible outcomes and communicating openly can provide vital support, even in the most difficult circumstances. I believe that well-coordinated care, accurate information-sharing and clearly defined, realistic goals can meaningfully reduce uncertainty and ease the burden on families. My message to families is this: I am here to help make the care process clearer, more manageable and easier to follow, so that you can devote more of your attention to your child.
- Dr. Dóra Krikovszky
I am a paediatrician and a paediatric pulmonologist. I have been involved in paediatric palliative and hospice care since 2023. Alongside relieving children’s physical symptoms, it is especially important to me to build open, trusting relationships with their families. I believe that in such a sensitive period of life, being present, listening attentively and walking alongside families are just as important as providing professional medical support. My goal is to help families move forward on this journey with a sense of safety, surrounded by love and treated with dignity. Every child’s story is unique. Every journey is different, and every family experiences hope, fear, love and loss in their own way. It is a great privilege when families place their trust in us and allow us to accompany them on this journey.
- Dr. Borbála Pásztor
I am a paediatrician and am currently completing subspecialty training in paediatric haematology-oncology. Through my work, it has become especially important to me that children living with serious or long-term illnesses receive not only medical treatment, but also the support they need to experience everyday life with the best possible quality of life, safety, and attentive care. I believe that palliative care is not about losing hope, but about recognising that what we hope for may change over time. Hope may mean relief from pain, a more restful night, a day spent together, or the reassurance that a family will not have to face even the most difficult decisions alone. My message to families is this: you do not have to walk this path alone. We are here to accompany you with attentive care, medical expertise, and compassion – always guided by what you need at each stage of the journey.
- Dr. Márton Szabados
I am a paediatrician currently training to specialise in palliative care. In my work, I strive to provide children living with chronic illnesses with the best possible quality of life, so they can experience each day with safety and dignity. I place particular importance on the early recognition and treatment of emotional distress. Relieving anxiety and symptoms of depression is just as essential to care as easing physical discomfort. I work closely with families to plan the most appropriate path forward for each child. I pay careful attention to what they need in each situation – whether it is an in-depth, open conversation or simply a supportive presence and an encouraging smile.
- Dr. Gábor Szarvas
I am a paediatric intensive care specialist. As a member of the Palliative and Comfort Care Unit, I help ensure that children living with serious, life-limiting illnesses or complex chronic conditions receive care with as little pain and discomfort as possible. Together with each family, we establish shared goals for relieving symptoms, improving comfort, and enhancing the child’s quality of life. Even when a condition cannot be cured, pain can still be effectively managed. I believe that medical decisions should always be accompanied by clear information, transparent communication, and collaborative support. My message to families is this: you are not alone. Our goal is to provide guidance, a clear plan, and a reassuring presence at every stage of care.
- Dr. Krisztina Szigeti
I am a paediatrician and am currently completing subspecialty training in neonatology. I primarily care for newborn babies born with serious, life-threatening, or life-limiting conditions, as well as their families. In my work, I strive to offer hope even in the most critical circumstances. I believe that life has inherent value. For that reason, it is especially important to me that no one is left alone, even when medicine can no longer offer a cure. In addition to managing physical symptoms, I believe it is essential to support the social, emotional, and spiritual well-being of children and their families. My goal is to ensure that families do not feel alone on this difficult journey. I believe that every moment of life is precious, and through our work, we aim to help families experience those moments with the best possible quality of life, surrounded by support and a sense of safety.
- Evelin Zubovics
I am a clinical child and adolescent psychologist and a family and couples therapist in training. As the psychologist for the Palliative and Comfort Care Unit, I work alongside the medical and healthcare team from the very beginning of care, accompanying families through the emotional ups and downs of hope and worry. My role is to recognise and help ease emotional distress within a safe, therapeutic relationship. From the moment a chronic illness is diagnosed, every member of the family may experience a series of losses, and facing these changes with acceptance and dignity can be challenging for everyone. Through compassionate listening and close attention to each family’s needs, I aim to help them remain grounded in the here and now and draw on their inner strengths and resources. I believe that palliative care is, above all, about honouring life – and that even in the most difficult circumstances, life can gradually grow around pain and trauma through love and human connection.