World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is organised by a committee of the Worldwide Palliative Care Alliance, a network of hospice and palliative care national and regional organisations that support the development of hospice and palliative care worldwide. World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is a unified day of action to celebrate and support hospice and palliative care around the world. Voices for Hospices is a wave of concerts taking place on World Hospice and Palliative Care Day every two years.
The theme for World Hospice and Palliative Care Day which took place on October 10, 2015 is “Hidden Lives / Hidden Patients”. This year’s theme will focus on the patients living in unique conditions and often struggle with access to palliative care including those living in rural settings. Many a patient with life limiting illnesses like those with cerebral palsy, end organ failures, cancers, genetic conditions and dementia do not have access to palliative care.
Malaysia is fortunate that the government has encouraged palliative care both in the government and private sector. In Perak, Perak Palliative Care Society (PPCS) plays a major role in palliative care especially for home care patients. PPCS deals with all patients irrespective of race or religion. Over the past 20 years, PPCS has provided 44000 home visits to more than 4100 patients in and around Ipoh, Kampar, Tapah, Batu Gajah, Tronoh, Seri Iskandar, Sitiawan, Lumut, Pantai Remis, Beruas, Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Siput. PPCS is also enabling formation and activities of such NGOs in Taiping and Seri Manjung. In addition to home nursing, care-giver training, palliative massage therapy and medical equipment loan are being provided according to needs. PPCS endeavours to continue providing Palliative Care Training for nurses and volunteers in the community.
In conjunction with World Hospice and Palliative Care 2015, PPCS would like to encourage referral of patients who are in need of palliative care for their home care services. Though preferably patients are referred by medical practitioners, patients or family can register themselves if they think they fit the palliative care definition. PPCS would also like to appeal to the public and corporate bodies to donate to PPCS generously to keep the society in continuing their services to the community. All donations will be given tax exemption receipts. PPCS welcomes medical and non-medical volunteers to help out with administrative work, community awareness and compassionate care for patients and in fund raising activities.
For further information please contact Ms Leong Lai Pen, Centre Administrator at 05 546 4732 or Mrs Guddi Roy, Volunteer Coordinator at 012 501 9419 or email: admin@ppcs.org.my.
