The World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is a unified day of action to celebrate and support hospice and palliative care around the world. The theme for World Day 2010, which was held last October 9, is "Sharing the care". This day is for people to engage in events and activities to raise awareness and funds to support the development of hospice and palliative care. In the Philippines, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 1110 declaring the first week of October each year as “National Hospice and Palliative Care Week.” In line with this, the UP-PGH Department of Family and Community Medicine-Section of Supportive, Palliative and Hospice Care celebrated this occasion with a one week series of activities starting October 4, with its own motto “Hospice and Palliative Care: The Art and Science of Caring.
The celebration started with the flag ceremony which was sponsored by the Section. In attendance was the Director of PGH Dr. Enrique Domingo, DFCM chair Dr. Alex J. B. Alip Jr., consultants from SPHC Dr. Racheal Rosario and Dr. Andrew Ang, SPHC Fellows and DFCM Residents. The activities for the hospice week celebrations were announced by Dr Rosario. On this day the “Info-Posters” were first displayed at the PGH Lobby. These posters contain basic information about the section: its vision, mission and patient services.
On Thursday, Oct. 7, the World Hospice and Palliative Day Celebration was held at the PGH Atrium. The festivities were kicked-off by a dragon dance parade that travelled around the grounds of PGH. Several groups consisting of doctors, patients, caregivers and support groups participated in the parade, namely Palliative Care fellows, nurses and patients, Pedia Hema-Onco, Childhaus, Phil. Cancer Society, Cancer Survivor Group, SINAG Volunteers, UP-PGH Cancer Institute staff and nurses, LU6 students and Family Medicine Residents.
Dr. Rosario hosted the event. SPHC Fellow Dr. Joanna Sabal led the opening prayer and National Anthem. Several esteemed officials from the PGH administration gave inspiring messages namely: UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Ramon Arcadio, Dr. Jorge Ignacio, Cancer Institute Chair, Director Domingo, and Dr. Alip. They were one in saying that there is a section that helps care for terminal and dying patients. They also recounted their personal experiences with the section.
To spice up the program, several people performed some intermission numbers. There was a song number from the children of Childhaus. Nurse Barry from the CI also rendered an acoustic song number. Also, the UP –Manila Indayog Varsity Dance group performed a dance number. While the intermission numbers were being performed, some food and drinks were made available to the audience.
To wind up the week, a Lecture on Hospice and Palliative Medicine was held on Oct. 8, 2010. This was held at the OPD Conference Room from 12 to 5pm and was attended by doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, medical and nursing students, and volunteers. The core topics were as follows: Principles of Hospice and Palliative Medicine as lectured by Dr. Andrew Ang, a Hospice Nurse’s Experience by Luningning Siarez, R.N., End-of-life-Care by Dr. Agnes Bausa-Claudio and The Bioethics of Pain Management as lectured by Dr. Rosario.
The festivities did not end with the coming of the weekend for on Oct. 13, the opening of the newly-renovated Hospice Ward and Acute Palliative Care Room was held. The renovation was spear-headed by Mr. Vicente Pacheco and the Sanctuario de San Antonio. The ward consists of 3 beds each installed with an egg-crater mattress and individualized with curtain dividers . Other works included the repainting of walls, installation of fans and retiling of the toilet. The acute palliative procedure room consists of two beds, where procedures such as paracentesis, thoracentesis, wound debridement, bedside biopsies, etc. can be performed.
This was truly a very meaningful week of events. Through the various activities, we are hopeful that we not only opened some eyes to what Hospice is all about but also touched some hearts and minds. With our slogan, “We do not add days to life but life to days,” we hope to inspire more people to get involved with Hospice Care."
