Rob Ford’s chief of staff says the former mayor of Toronto is currently in palliative care after his recent chemotherapy treatment was unsuccessful.

Speaking to CP24 Monday, Ford’s staffer Dan Jacobs made it clear that it is simply to make the city councillor comfortable and is not end-of-life care.

“To be clear, he has not been transferred to any kind of 'palliative care unit,' he remains on the same floor, and on the same wing where he has received his chemotherapy treatments,” a statement released by Jacobs on behalf of the family Monday afternoon reads.

“Palliative care is often administered in conjunction with other treatments, and he has in fact been receiving it almost since first becoming diagnosed, both at home and the hospital. This is quite typical for those who are diagnosed with serious illnesses and injuries. The purpose of palliative care is to deal with symptomatic issues, such as pain and discomfort, and physical and mental stress, and to allow the patient to be as comfortable as possible.”

Ford is now “resting comfortably” thanks to the efforts of his medical team, the release said. There has been no information provided about the possibility of a different treatment course being implemented.

“They are very concerned with the reappearance and progression of the disease, but everyone is hopeful that his body will be able to fight back enough that he can then undergo further treatment,” the statement said.

Ford, who has been diagnosed with a rare soft tissue cancer, re-started chemotherapy in November after doctors discovered two new cancerous tumours on his bladder.

Ultimately the chemo was not successful and he has been in hospital for the past three weeks as doctors work to decide whether Ford, 46, is healthy enough to undergo more treatment.

It was revealed Thursday that he is currently under 24-hour medical care with his family by his side.

Jacobs said there has been no change in Ford’s condition since a statement was released last week to dispel rumours of his passing.