New services discussed, including the vision for a hospice dedicated to children
The possibility of developing palliative care services for children in the community and over the longer term, a dedicated hospice, was at the centre of discussions during a visit that Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg made to the Karl Vella Foundation building in Burmarrad.
During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister met with the Foundation’s leadership and professionals, who explained to him the work being done to help children and families affected by serious illness or loss. The meeting continued to build on discussions that have already taken place between the Foundation and the leadership of the Ministry for Health.
The Karl Vella Foundation was established in 2014 and offers free psychological support. Its work includes individual and group therapy, educational support and activities that help children and adolescents express their emotions and feel understood. The Foundation also offers psychotherapeutic support to patients requiring treatment abroad, their caregivers and their families and is currently supporting over 400 people through these services.
“I was pleased that, following the meetings that have already taken place between the Foundation and the leadership of the Ministry of Health, I was able to personally visit this Foundation and see firsthand the good it does through its essential services. These services help not only patients, but also the people who are close to them in difficult moments. I look forward to continuing to develop ideas and working together so that they can become a reality,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.
The Director and Co-Founder of the Karl Vella Foundation, Claire Chircop, said that work is being done in particular on the possibility of strengthening the services available to children who require palliative care and their families. “It was an honour to welcome the Deputy Prime Minister to our home and share with him the services we are offering. At the same time, we also discussed the new projects we have ahead of us. We are working in particular to be able to offer palliative care to children, a service that to date is not yet offered here,” said Chircop.
The Foundation is named after Karl Vella, a photographer and worker at Mater Dei Hospital who, despite battling cancer, remained known for his courage and support for other patients. Karl died on 16 February 2014, at the age of 37. The Foundation keeps his memory and generosity alive through the support it provides to families in difficult times.
The Ministry for Health and the Karl Vella Foundation will continue to explore various proposals and the necessary steps so that services of this kind can be developed according to the needs of patients and their families.
Photos: ODPM-MFH
