Hospice Malta has continued to invest in the professional development of its healthcare team through a job shadowing programme funded by Erasmus+. The initiative forms part of Hospice Malta’s ongoing commitment to strengthen the delivery of palliative care services through exposure to international best practices.

As part of this programme, Sarah Lee Cutajar, Hospice Malta Nurse participated in a five-day job shadowing programme at Aachen Hospice in Germany, while Ruth Cachia Degiovanni, Hospice Malta Nurse, and Anne Farrugia, Hospice Malta Social Worker, participated in a similar job shadowing programme at Galway Hospice in Ireland. These visits enabled the healthcare professionals to observe and engage with the multidisciplinary teams at the host hospices, gaining insights into their clinical operations, team collaboration, and holistic care approaches. More professionals from the Care Team will be participating in this mobility programme throughout 2025.

The job-shadowing mobilities provided a valuable learning experience through participation in team meetings, home visits, inpatient unit observation, and day clinic experiences. Focus was also given to the integration of psychosocial and spiritual care, documentation processes, and patient-centred care planning, all of which are key elements that contribute to delivering quality palliative care.

Commenting on the programme, Anna Frendo, Chief Clinical Officer at Hospice Malta, stated: “By participating in these international  job shadowing mobilities, our clinical staff can bring back valuable knowledge and best practices that contribute to the development and refinement of the services we offer to our patients and their families.”

Hospice Malta provides palliative care services to patients suffering from cancer, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, and other serious illnesses. These services are delivered free of charge in Malta and Gozo through a multidisciplinary team approach, offering support not only to patients but also to their loved ones.

The public is now invited to continue showing their support during the upcoming telethon themed ‘Ħajja sal-Aħħar’, taking place on Sunday 6th July, to help sustain and grow the essential services Hospice Malta provides. For more information and to donate, please visit www.hospicemalta.org.