In the intricate tapestry of life, the passage through illness and the end of life can be a journey laden with complexities and challenges. Yet, within these trials lies an avenue of solace and support, where compassion weaves its threads into every step. Hospice Malta stands as a beacon of hope, offering patient-centred palliative care, guiding individuals and families through this profound odyssey with unwavering dedication.

The journey often commences from Mater Dei Hospital or Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre (SAMOC) with a crucial initial step: a doctor's referral. This referral marks the beginning of a compassionate and individualised alliance, facilitating the transfer of care to Hospice Malta. Once initiated, this straightforward process propels the referral form to Hospice Malta, which can be sent through traditional mail or via email at [email protected], setting in motion a vital chain of support and dedicated care.

At Hospice Malta, the ethos of palliative care, as defined by the World Health Organisation, resonates in every action and service offered. It transcends mere medical assistance, aiming to enhance life quality and alleviate suffering. Here, pain and distressing symptoms find solace in the hands of a multidisciplinary team that includes doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and more.

The philosophy of Hospice Malta mirrors the delicate balance between affirming life and acknowledging the natural progression of mortality. It neither hastens nor postpones the inevitable, instead embraces the journey as a holistic process. The focus pivots toward a comprehensive approach, integrating physical, psychological and spiritual dimensions of care.

Upon the initial contact, a representative extends a supportive hand within 24 hours, discussing the spectrum of services offered. After this initial connection, and depending on the situation of the patient, a house visit is usually set up by a Hospice Malta nurse. This house visit is set up typically within five working days after the referral. This visit marks the inception of a tailored care plan, crafted to address individual needs and circumstances.

Hospice Malta provides a comprehensive range of services, encompassing both the social and medical aspects of care. While the Day Therapy Unit serves as a haven by offering respite and various activities, the services extend far beyond. Hydrotherapy, in-home care assistance, patient transport, equipment lending and hospital support collectively reinforce a holistic approach, ensuring comprehensive care that attends to every aspect of an individual's needs. Moreover, in addition to tailored community support plans, Hospice Malta dedicates itself to addressing the multifaceted requirements of each individual, striving to cater to every facet of their needs throughout their journey.

Hospice Malta delivers palliative care services to patients suffering from Cancer, Motor Neuron Disease (commonly known as ALS), Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Multiple sclerosis and other life-limiting illnesses relating to cardiac, respiratory, liver and renal diseases. Yet, the journey with Hospice Malta extends beyond the patient. The family, often walking hand-in-hand through this labyrinthine path, finds support and solace. Bereavement services offer a safe place for healing, encompassing memorial services, one-on-one sessions and structured support groups.

Every service rendered by Hospice Malta stands as a testament to unwavering dedication and compassion. With over 1,500 patients receiving care annually, the impact reverberates far and wide, nurturing lives and illuminating pathways through challenging times.

The essence of Hospice Malta lies not merely in the provision of services, but in the warmth of human connection and in the solace found within a kind embrace. It embodies the ethos that defines true care – a commitment to enhancing life's quality, one tender moment at a time.

Hospice Malta stands as a steadfast companion, dedicated to addressing the diverse and individual physical needs encountered during life's difficulties. With an unwavering commitment, Hospice Malta provides compassionate guidance to individuals and families, offering not just empathy and dignity but also specialised support for complex symptom management. Amid the intricacies of care, Hospice Malta remains devoted to enhancing the physical well-being of every individual, ensuring comfort and tailored solutions to alleviate complex symptoms.

At the heart of Hospice Malta lies a profound commitment – an unwavering dedication to providing all services entirely free of charge. This cornerstone principle ensures that every individual, irrespective of their circumstances, receives the care and support they deserve without the burden of financial constraints.

However, while the support is also provided by the state, the organisation relies significantly on the foundation of community support to continue offering these invaluable services, all of which are provided to patients and their families free of charge. Hospice Malta is profoundly reliant on the generosity of individuals and the benevolence of the business community in sustaining the continuation of care that touches the lives of countless individuals and families.

Hospice Malta, stands as a testament to the collective spirit of giving, where every donation, regardless of size, serves as a lifeline for those navigating the complexities of illness and end-of-life care. As one patient eloquently expressed, “Hospice Malta became my sanctuary – a place where care wasn't just a service but a heartfelt embrace that made every moment count”.

To learn more about how you can support Hospice Malta please visit www.hospicemalta.org.

 

Hospice Malta are full members of Malta Health Network: www.maltahealthnetwork.org.

 

Alexia Demicoli is chief Relations officer at Hospice Malta