THE ST MICHAELS Hospice building in Mesa Chorio, Paphos is due to be completed in the next few weeks, and according to local parish volunteers who have run the project, could open its doors to 2012 once they have met funding targets and obtained Health Ministry permits.
According to one of the volunteers on the project, Cameron McDonald, the Hospice’s mission is: “To offer free total hospice and palliative care to all in need regardless of religious belief, type of illness or nationality”
“Our principles are to provide palliative care to alleviate pain, anxiety and other symptoms without curing the cause of the illness, to include emotional, psychological and spiritual support for the patient, family and carers” said McDonald. “I like to think of it as a luxury hotel, or a home from home, not a hospital.”
So far they have raised €1.62 million from fundraising initiatives and donations from the Orthodox and Catholic churches, and they now require approximately €219,000 to furnish the centre’s 18 rooms, reception, lounge and dining area, day care area and roof garden/terrace.
Once up and running, the hospice is expected to require €700,000 per year in staff and running costs, which is equivalent to around €107 per bed per day, and if there is a demand, more bedrooms could be added.
The hospice will also offer a vitally needed children’s palliative care service, with one of the 18 rooms specially designed with children in mind. The need is certainly there: around 35 children under the age of 16 are diagnosed with cancer in Cyprus every year, of which around seven will die according to one consultant’s estimate.
McDonald said that currently there is no dedicated place for these children to spend their final days; nor is there a psychological support services – both of which he hopes St Michaels will be able to offer. “We did feel it was very important to have a children’s room.” He said.
Aside from the funding issue, St Michaels also face the challenge of presenting the hospice concept to Cypriots, and tackle their preconceived notions about what palliative care is.
“We’re not trying to cure an illness, to prolong or shorten life. From the feedback we have received… there is a perception among Cypriots that we are trying to shorten peoples’ lives.”
However, they have reason to be optimistic that the Cypriot community will support the hospice, as they have supported the island’s first hospice: the Arodafnousa in Nicosia. This hospice also has 18 beds and caters for around 200 cancer patients per year, though fundraising events such as the Christodoula march.
Likewise, local expats have also shown support for the island’s other hospice – The Friends of Paphos, which has offered four beds at the Evangelismos hospital since 2007.
With the support Paphos Orthodox Bishop George and Pope Benedict, who blessed the cornerstone during his visit in June 2010 another 200 patients per year could see the doors opened by the end of 2012.
For more information visit http://stmichaelshospice.info/
