Workshop on Grief & Bereavement

Hospis Malaysia is a charitable organisation providing professional community palliative care to those with life-limiting illnesses (such as cancer, AIDS, organ failure or progressive neurological conditions.) We are not affiliated to any political, religious, governmental or private groups, and are managed by a team of medical professionals, a handful of administrative staff, together with volunteer-professionals who govern our overall policies and administer our finances. Services and facilities by Hospis Malaysia are offered free-of-charge.

It is our mission to ensure that every Malaysian is aware of, and has access to palliative care services when the need arises. The aim is to enhance the quality of life of patients by assessing their medical, psychological and emotional conditions and treating them accordingly. Medication (if necessary) is prescribed at no cost and under proper supervision. Psychological and emotional assistance are also extended to family members. Research shows that good assessment and management of physical and emotional symptoms early in the patient’s illness can reduce the burden for both the patient and their families and forms the foundation of quality palliative care.

In line with our increasing focus on advocacy for greater accessibility to palliative care in the country, Hospis Malaysia continues to strengthen its lead position in education and training in palliative care while offering the highest possible quality of palliative care to patients living with life-limiting illnesses in the Klang Valley. Hospis Malaysia is committed to advancing palliative care programs and research with the aim of ensuring that palliative care becomes fully integrated into the country’s health care system.

Vision

• We aim to provide access to the highest possible quality of evidence-based palliative care to everyone in need so as to provide relief from, and prevent pain and suffering associated with progressive and life-threatening illness.

Our mission is to:

• Provide the best possible palliative care services to the community we serve and in so doing, improve the quality of life of our patients and their families.
• Provide the best possible education and training to healthcare professionals and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge in the practise of palliative care.
• Increase awareness about the needs of those with progressive and life-threatening illnesses
• Value life and promote quality of life for all patients regardless of illness or stage through advocacy, education and research

Values

• We strongly believe in respect, compassion, and knowledge as our guiding principles in everything that we do. It is with these standards that each of us conduct our day-to-day behaviour and decision-making.

Our values can be summarised with the acronym I CARE:

• Integrity – I will work openly, honestly, and treat everyone fairly.
• Compassion – I will be kind, thoughtful, and show genuine interest in everyone I am in contact with including my colleagues, my patients and their families, and my supporters.
• Accountability – I will take responsibility for all my decisions and actions, and I will not blame anyone else for my mistakes.
• Respect – I will value others and recognise that the quality of my work is dependent on the entire team. I also need to recognise the diversity of others’ opinions and culture and learn from this diversity.
• Excellence – I will strive to learn, improve, and give my best.