The charity organization "Hospiss LV", whose goal is to create a non-discriminatory attitude towards the needs of a dying person, invited the President Edgars Rinkevičs to join the foundations charity campaign "Festive Table", where volunteers once a week go to see patients in the palliative wards to both delight them with delicious treats, that differ from the usual hospital food, and be present - by listening and talking. It may be the last moments of joy or the last meal for some patients.
After a conversation with the chief doctor of the "Biķernieki" hospital, Juri Nikolajenko, the head of the Palliative Care Department, Vilni Sosāru, doctor Līgu Keišu-Ķirsi and the founders of the "Hospiss LV" foundation Ilzi Zosuli and Ilzi Neimani-Nešporu, the President joined our experienced volunteers Lienīte Ansone, Vivita Grase and Sandra Venta in the "Biķernieki" Palliative Care Department of Eastern Hospital, which treats and cares for an average of 1,000 patients a year. The majority of these patients suffer from progressive oncological diseases that are untreatable. The President had prepared ice cream as a treat for the patients, which, according to the volunteers' observations, is a favorite of the patients, regardless of the weather.
“The involvement of the president of the country means that our volunteers are supported and recognized. The volunteers unselfishly dedicate their time and energy to patients, so the presence of the highest official in the country gives newfound strength to continue helping," admits Ilze Zosule, a member of the board of "Hospiss LV", also thanking the staff of the "Biķernieki" Palliative Care Department of Eastern Hospital, which "never has limited or opposed the presence of volunteers in the department, even though the treats leave behind crumbs or ice cream and coffee stains on the patient's beds. We all understand that this may be the last ice cream for some patients, and the smiles we receive in return are much more important”.”
The treats prepared by Liene Zemīte and the restaurant "Lapsas māja" were enjoyed accompanied by harp music, because in the honor the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, musicians of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, harpist Ieva Šablovska and flutist Anete Toča, joined the "Festive Table" campaign, giving a concert in the hospital halls, so that even those who no longer can go to concerts, can enjoy a performance by professional musicians.