Friends’ Hospice in Paphos faces imminent closure

[memory man]

The Friends’ Hospice in Paphos is facing closure at the end of the month unless new premises and additional funding can be found urgently, the Cyprus Mail has been told.

In May, the facility was temporarily closed when a patient and member of staff tested positive for Covid-19. The hospice’s five charity shops also had to close due to the coronavirus restrictions.

This meant a huge drop in income for the facility, and along with a lack of donations and no fund- raising activities permitted (which were curtailed due to the pandemic), it is now impossible to meet the daily running costs of the hospice.

“The Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society kindly offered to cover these expenses while the charity got back on its feet. However, unfortunately, during lockdown , the hospice received a further blow – formal notice to vacate the dedicated wing of St George’s Polyclinic, as it is now needed for future operational purposes,” president of the hospice foundation, Chris Jones said.

It costs around €250,000 to €300,000 to operate the hospice each year.

For the past two and a half months, the hospice’s board of directors has explored various possibilities for an alternative location. These included relocating to St James Clinic situated on the Tombs of the Kings Road in Paphos, but this idea was scuppered by the ministry of health due to new EU regulations.

A local philanthropic family has offered a large house to the hospice, but it will take time and a considerable outlay to carry out necessary structural changes required by the government, according to Jones.

Other venues, including a number of private hospitals and even a hotel were also offered but none were accepted by the ministry of health.

“Consequently, the hospice has been forced to give notice to all current staff until a permanent, long-term solution can be found. The charity will close its doors to patients at the end of this month.”

There are currently two patients at the hospice which employs eight full-time nurses, experts in palliative care. There are also two part-time carers and a full-time nurse/carer, an administrative assistant and a cleaner. All are now facing redundancy.

“I am pleased that seven of the eight nurses have been offered employment by the Blue Cross clinic and they have accepted. It would have broken my heart to think of them without work,” Jones said.

The Friends’ charity shops will continue to operate to draw in an income to enable the hospice a little time to try to solve the problem, he said. It’s hoped the charity will also strengthen links with the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society so that necessary palliative care in the Paphos area can go on, he said.

Seven years ago, the hospice temporarily closed when it had to vacate a dedicated wing in the Evangelismos Hospital in Paphos. It then reopened at its current location at St George’s Polyclinic.

“When the hospice closed then, I was greatly saddened,” said Jones,“but the support of our shop volunteers and the Paphos community carried us through. Now we’re in the same, sad situation. However, we’re determined to continue the fight to offer palliative care to the region.”

The hospice, the first in Paphos, started operation in 2006 and has cared for more than 2,000 patients of all nationalities, free of charge.

https://cyprus-mail.com/2020/06/16/frie ... t-closure/

[Cactuslil]

This is such sad news. The Friends Hospice does a marvelous job with very caring staff.I hope something can be done to keep them going.

[mike strand2]

I would like to see some philanthropy from all the wealthy property developers here. They should talk to Chris Jones & see what work is needed for the house that was generously offered. It’s time to ‘give back’ you wealthy guys! Show some community spirit. St Peter will I’m sure say please come in.

[Mark]

Very sad news indeed, with the current crisis, fundraising is very difficult and will remain so for some time.

Surely the time is right for the Friends charity to unite with St Michaels Hospice in Mesa Chorio to continue to provide much needed palliative and respite care for the Paphos and wider area.

St Michaels is registered with the MOH, fully licensed, staffed, and free from other commercial organisations , in other words it is not part of any other health care institution and is fully owned by the hospice with lots of space to expand in the future. It was purpose built as a hospice, not a private hospital or home that will need massive investment to convert.

The Friends Hospice sadly has ran out of funds in the past, why are they setting themselves up for the same to happen in the future?

They surely should look to secure future palliative care, as part of United fundraising efforts, not dilute a limited pot.

Talk to each other!

[jeba]

Shouldn´t it be part of the state´s duty to provide a hospice?

[JimX]

This is disastrous and I like many others think that the government should step in and help! I wish them all the very best for the future as one day we all might need this kind of medical help.

[Kili01]

Very sad news indeed.Maybe the idea that the two hospices should consider amalgamating bears some thought. If St Michael's wishes this too, as seeking extending their premiss could be a a permanent solution. But apart from the capital required to build, planning permission Is needed and probably several years to build it. Friends Hospice needs a new home and quickly. I hope that a solution will be found soon as both hospices do such valuable work.

Dee

[bromerzz]

Well its a great shame that this Hospice is closing but there is currently a fund raiser taking place for the other one mentioned, so if anyone feels a few coins rattling in their pockets why not support this cause.
https://gogetfunding.com/longest-day-go ... enge-2020/

[PolemIan]

Very sad news indeed, with the current crisis, fundraising is very difficult and will remain so for some time.

Surely the time is right for the Friends charity to unite with St Michaels Hospice in Mesa Chorio to continue to provide much needed palliative and respite care for the Paphos and wider area.

St Michaels is registered with the MOH, fully licensed, staffed, and free from other commercial organisations , in other words it is not part of any other health care institution and is fully owned by the hospice with lots of space to expand in the future. It was purpose built as a hospice, not a private hospital or home that will need massive investment to convert.

The Friends Hospice sadly has ran out of funds in the past, why are they setting themselves up for the same to happen in the future?

They surely should look to secure future palliative care, as part of United fundraising efforts, not dilute a limited pot.

Talk to each other!

Completely agree and I have tried to encourage conversation like this in the past to no avail. The duplication of costs makes no sense in a small population like this, even more so when many people are likely to be tightening their belts for some time.

[Cactuslil]

As someone with experience of both, I don’t see them joining together as they are run very differently. Some of you may remember it all started off as one group.

[emgee]

Catcuslil

Yes.

Chalk and cheese comes to mind.

Alan