Hospice Malta, the NGO dedicated to providing palliative care and support to individuals facing serious illness, recently organised a highly engaging Palliative Care Conference.Held at Hospice Malta’s new complex, St. Michael Hospice, the conference brought together medical professionals, care practitioners, policymakers, and members of the community to discuss advancements and best practices in palliative care.
The conference, introduced by Dr Stefan Laspina, Chairperson of Hospice Malta’s Education Committee, featured a range of presentations, practical learning sessions, and an opportunity for attendees to network.
Key presentations included ‘Histories and Horizons in Palliative Care’ by Dr Sam Edward, and an ethnographic study on palliative care in Malta by Mr Kurt Cassar. A conversation between Dr Gauden Galea and Dr JP Tabone explored a cancer journey and global perspectives. This was followed by a panel discussion led by Ms Roseanne Camilleri together with Dr Malcolm Falzon, Ms Carly Ciantar and Ms Gloria Spiteri, which emphasised patient and family-centred support through a detailed case study. A relative of a Hospice patient shared her personal experience and gave an insight into how her family was supported by Hospice services.
Attendees were also given the opportunity to appreciate the intricacies of decision-making in care, as well as the value of resilience in challenging situations. The conference struck a balance between specialised theoretical knowledge and practical, human-centred approaches to care.
Kenneth Delia, CEO of Hospice Malta, emphasized the event’s importance, stating: “This conference continues to highlight the need to advance knowledge and collaboration in palliative care. By enabling the sharing of insights and real-world experiences through events such as this, we continue to foster improvement in the support available for patients and their families. This is one of the ways Hospice Malta chooses to reaffirm its dedication to the delivery of professional care backed by the latest research.”
The event was honoured by the presence of the Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Hon. Jo Etienne Abela, who also delivered an introductory speech; Hon. Adrian Delia, Shadow Minister for Health, and Hon. Ian Vassallo Hagi, Shadow Minister for Primary Care and Mental Health.
Hospice Malta invites the public to continue to engage with its mission by visiting www.hospicemalta.org. One can also follow Hospice Malta on social media for updates, initiatives and ways to get involved in making a difference within the community.