The Friends’ Hospice Paphos and the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society have formed a working relationship to combine training and exchange expertise and skills to benefit people suffering life-threatening illnesses.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by both organisations to support efforts on behalf of their respective patients. The agreement, after several weeks of discussion, follows a separate request by the German Oncology Centre in Limassol to organise close ties with the hospice to better serve patients in Paphos and Limassol.
Founded in 2006, The Friends’ Hospice has a dedicated wing of St George’s Polyclinic in the centre of Paphos and has cared for more than 1,500 patients since its opening. The Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society, which began its work in 1971, operates the Aradophnousa Palliative Care Centre in Nicosia and has offices in all districts, providing home care services. The two hospices offer palliative care, free of charge and for all nationalities.
“This is a great development“, said Chris Jones, President of The Friends’ Hospice Foundation. “It is an acknowledgement that we are respected deliverers of quality palliative care to patients and support for their families. Our doctors, nurses and volunteers work hard for the widespread community and deserve credit for their service.”
Dr Adamos Adamou MP, appointed by the government to co-ordinate delivery of oncology services across Cyprus, has agreed to join the Board of Trustees of The Friends’ Hospice to help implement the new alliance.
The Ministry of Health last year increased its grant to the Hospice from €15,000 to €40,000. The awarding of the money is subject to close scrutiny regarding good governance, payment of VAT and audited accounts.
“For our charity, which depends on donations and fund-raising, this is a very welcome contribution to the running costs, which currently stand at about €250,000 a year”, said Jones.
The ‘supporting hands’, symbolic of the Hospice from its inception, will be retained on its logo but in a new design. This will feature on literature and the donation collection jars, alongside the emblem of the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society. The changes have been made possible by donations from RSS Logistics, The Poddle Shop, Tea for Two, Rehab Care and Ready to Print.
An update has also been made to the uniforms of the Hospice’s nursing staff, with a change of colour to maroon.
