Recovering from breast cancer without a husband, who had passed away, and three grown children, Frances Scalpello faced a very lonely path without Hospice Malta.
“Hospice literally changed my life. I don’t know what I would have done without them,” the 70-year-old says quietly, eyes glistening.
Following her diagnosis nearly six years ago, Ms Scalpello went through the ordeal of a partial mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy – with hospice nurse Carmen Carta by her side.
“The hospice gave me immense support. A van would pick me up at home and escort me to hospital. Carmen used to style and smooth my wig into place.”
Having gone into remission, Ms Scalpello started attending day care at the centre in Balzan – a weekly outing she immensely looks forward to. There, she cultivated a renewed sense of self-worth by trying crafts, pottery and sewing and by socialising with other patients.
People mustn’t lock themselves up indoors and let the darkness swallow them
She enjoys exercising under the guidance of the hospice physiotherapist. Professionals and volunteers also organise frequent outings.
“I urge other patients to take courage and to live life day by day. I also encourage them to reach out to the hospice and the many services they offer for free.
“People mustn’t lock themselves up indoors and let the darkness swallow them. The people at the hospice can really take care of you.”
Hospice Malta is celebrating its 25th anniversary and has helped more than 7,000 patients so far. The voluntary organisation receives around 15 new cases per month and currently cares for some 400 patients.
Bereavement support, loans of specialised equipment (such as wheelchairs, reclining beds and syringe drivers), home care, spiritual support and a summer club that cares for patients’ children are some of the services offered.
General manager Kenneth Delia said that all the services were free, which was only possible thanks to the generosity of individuals and local enterprises as well as a small contribution from the government.
According to Mr Delia, volunteers form the backbone of the organisation, pouring their time into home visiting, administration, fundraising and the Boffa Hospital shuttle service that accompanies patients on their trips to and from the outpatients department.
Joe Cilia – a retired grandfather who helps out – was recently awarded third place in the National Volunteer Award 2013. The hospice also won the award for Inclusiveness and Integration through Crafts.
The organisation is currently discussing its latest project with the government – building an in-patient unit for terminal patients nearing the end of their lives. “Currently, those who are in the last stages of life but who still need medical support and cannot stay at home have no option but to go to Mater Dei Hospital,” said Mr Delia.
“We would like to create a serene, tranquil place where patients and their relatives can enjoy their last moments together.
“There would be no people and nurses dashing in and out. Just a peaceful, serene environment – a celebration of the person’s life.”
The 24-hour unit is estimated to cost some €10 million. Donations to the hospice can be given through http://hospicemalta.org .