An average of 50 people a month are referred to Hospice Malta, the voluntary organisation that gives palliative care to people with cancer and motor neuron diseases reaching the end of their lives.

“The number is on the increase – this month we had about 70 referrals – but it means that people are actively seeking help in a holistic manner when they are diagnosed with illnesses,” said Anabel Spiteri from Hospice Malta.

The organisation yesterday celebrated its 25th anniversary with an open house event at its Balzan premises. Cakes, flowers and plants were sold to raise funds, while a brass band entertained the crowd.

Hospice Malta also assists patients suffering from cardiac, respiratory and renal diseases.

Its care includes free services by doctors, nurses, a chaplain, a physiotherapist, a complementary therapist, social workers, an occupational therapist and volunteers.

“People reaching end of life and their families are often faced with many complex issues, which cannot be addressed by any one professional alone,” said Ms Spiteri.

Each year Hospice supports more than 900 patients and their families. The organisation also provides bereavement support after a patient has passed away.

The Malta Hospice Movement was founded on January 4, 1989. The founders were inspired by the work of Dame Cicely Saunders, who opened St Christopher’s Hospice in London in 1967 in order to alleviate human suffering.

Ms Spiteri also made an appeal for volunteers: “We have about 200 volunteers currently offering their time and dedicated service – many of them have been giving this loving commitment for over 10 years. But we are always in need of more help.”

Volunteers extend the professional staff’s work and are an important part of the team.

“They have their own contribution and expertise and they bring a wealth of diverse skills, compassion and warmth and an added dimension to the care we offer.”

For details on volunteering with Hospice Malta call on 2144 0085 or e-mail info@hospicemalta.org.