Fund-raising initiative for planned palliative care unit

A new unit offering palliative care to terminally ill patients should be up and running at Boffa Hospital by the end of 2009, Oncology chairman Stephen Brincat said.

The unit will focus on pain relief and prevention in order to ease suffering and will offer support to patients and their families. Application forms for staff wishing to work in the new unit will be issued in the near future.

Dr Brincat, who also represented the Malta Cancer Foundation, explained that the foundation was working on raising funds to set up the unit. In fact, the cancer foundation launched three kayaking activities for the purpose.

The first challenge is a 110 km expedition around the Maltese Islands later this month followed by a second trip of 100 km from Pozzallo to Valletta Waterfront in June. The third and most ambitious challenge should take place in June 2010 with six kayakers covering the 325 km stretch between Tunisia and Malta.

Last year, Kayak for Cancer Challenge participants paddled from Malta to Pozzallo and raised around €29,900.

People who are interested in donating can send a message on 5061 8930 for €6.99 or 5061 9209 for €11.65.