As the new state-funded service “Palliative Care Mobile Team Services at Patient Residence” is interdisciplinary - healthcare is funded from the Ministry of Health budget, while social care and the crucial psychosocial and spiritual support in hospice care - from the Ministry of Welfare budget, representatives of “Hospiss LV” board member Ilze Zosule and “Hospiss Māja” board member Žanete Jansone, as well as senior nurse Tatjana Jirgensone and social worker Inga Ņeļubina, who work daily with patients and their families, discussed the implementation of the new service, its problems, and possible solutions.
We were pleased to hear that the minister appreciates the work done by “Hospiss LV”, as Uldis Augulis acknowledged that “is precisely with the persistence and initiative of “Hospiss LV” that this palliative care service was introduced in Latvia, easing the transition of individuals. “Hospiss LV” has been a trailblazer in changing society and stakeholders understanding of this service, and serves as an example in delivering this service.'' (As known “Hospiss Māja” was the first social enterprise to launch the Ministry of Welfare-funded pilot project on home hospice care for adults and support for their family members in the autumn of 2021, before its implementation, putting in significant effort by collaborating with the best palliative care specialists, developing a hospice care model suitable for Latvia. The pilot project received the highest praise and gratitude from clients relatives.)
“We are pleased with what we already have, namely - the new state-funded service, but to ensure quality hospice care in Latvia, mobile teams alone are not enough. This was the first step, but the next steps must be taken - full-time care at the residence, as we provided during the pilot project, as well as a hospice ward, so we must continue to work, advocating for the interests and rights of terminally ill individuals to live out their final stage with dignity. We are grateful for the visit of ministry representatives, because only with the understanding and support of politicians can we achieve our future goals.
We are pleased that ministry representatives heard how important social care, presence, and support are in hospice care,'' Ilze Zosule was optimistic after the meeting with ministry representatives.