The Gasan Foundation is the latest in a long line of generous donors to support the Hospice Malta and the new St Michael Hospice palliative care centre in Santa Venera. Last year, the Foundation pledged a substantial donation towards the new palliative care centre to be spread out over the span of three years.
The Foundation was created with the aim to provide a structured plan through which it can provide support to non-profit organisations in their mission to help change lives. Last year Hospice Malta was the recipient of the Gasan Foundation's annual endorsement, with the first tranche being donated immediately. Last week the Foundation passed on the second part of this substantial donation, with the third and final part earmarked for early next year when the Centre will be complete.
The newly refurbished building will become the main premises for Hospice Malta and is expected to help further enhance the already established palliative community services provided by Hospice since 1989. St Michael Hospice will also house an In-Patient palliative care unit complementing all the other services for a more comprehensive approach. The present-day therapy services will be expanded and several Out-Patient clinics will also be introduced. St Michael Hospice will also enhance its educational wing which will open many opportunities to exchange expertise with other hospices across Europe and beyond. With the construction phase almost completed, works at the new Centre will now focus on the next stage of mechanical and engineering works, which are scheduled to be completed within a year.
Hospice Malta provides free of charge palliative care services to patients suffering from terminal illnesses and offers vital physical and emotional support to the patients' families. This support is only made possible through the help of volunteers and donations, relying heavily on the generosity of companies and individuals alike. Last year alone, Hospice offered palliative care to approximately 1,300 families while providing a supportive environment where both patients and their loved ones feel safe.