Hospice Movement plans more services

The Malta Hospice Movement has drawn up a three-year plan designed to extend the respite care home service through care assistants selected and trained by the movement.

The plan, which provides for an "on call" service, is also aimed at furthering the expertise of staff through more formal, specialised training in palliative care.

Addressing the movement's 16th annual general meeting, movement chairman Theresa Naudi said the movement is planning to increase efforts to raise more awareness among the health authorities and the medical profession about the need and effectiveness of palliative care as a specialist discipline.

She said the movement is participating in a survey on the development of palliative care in Europe being conducted by the European Association of Palliative Care. Its main objective is to study and disseminate knowledge on the degree of development of palliative care in Europe.

A research project entitled Anxiety, Depression And Spiritual Coping Skills Of Patients With Cancer Receiving Hospice Care In Malta And Gozo, is also under way.

Ms Naudi said 577 patients had been cared for by the movement last year, 304 had been loaned specialised equipment and 64 had attended the day therapy unit and hydrotherapy.

Thirty-six families received 2,085 hours of respite care and 43 relatives had received bereavement support, either on a one to one basis or in support groups.

A total of 158 volunteers continue to provide back up and support to the work of the professional team. This year, 32 volunteers and one member of staff were presented with certificates for 10 years service at an anniversary get-together.