The first ever World Hospice and Palliative Care Day took place in October 2005 with more than 1,100 events taking place in 74 countries. It was launched by HRH Princess Anne in London, supported by Archbishop Desmond Tutu who described it as “an important global event”.
In 2006, high profile figures Bono and Sir Elton John marked the event by expressing their support for hospice care, and in 2007 Dame Judi Dench added her voice to the campaign.
This World Hospice and Palliative Care day coming up on October 11, let’s adjust the light and shade surrounding the issues of death and dying, and consider palliative care as an inspiring, special and precious time for all concerned.
A wise man from our Palliative Care Information Services (PCIS) team here at Karuna once said, “The problem with palliative care is half the population doesn’t know what it is, and those who do know, don’t want to know what it is”.
Dying is an essential part of all life, the only thing not certain is when. Home palliative care gives the terminally ill time with their loved ones in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their home to share stories, celebrate their lives and speak the words of their hearts.
Thousands of people around the world will be staging events to raise awareness and fundraise for hospice and palliative care services locally, nationally and internationally to mark this annual global event.
To find out more, log on to the World Hospice & Palliative Care Day Website or call 07 3632 8300.
