World Day 2008 - Greece - Athens
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER, 2008 - celebrating:
THE HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE WORLD DAY, 2008.
THE ACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE HELLENIC SOCIETY OF PALLIATIVE AND SYMPTOMATIC CARE OF CANCER AND NON-CANCER PATIENTS
A report on the celebration of the Hospice and Palliative Care Word Day, 2008, by the Hellenic Society of Palliative and Symptomatic Care of Cancer and Non-Cancer Patients
Following last year's success, the Hellenic Society of Palliative and Symptomatic Care of Cancer and Non-Cancer Patients (HSPSCCNCP) took on the task of reminding and propagating the messages of the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. Its 2008 campaign was, once again, a complete success.
The President of the European Federation of IASP Chapters, Professor G. Varrassi, with the President of the Organizing Committee, Assoc. Prof. E. Argyra, the President of the HSPSCCNCP, Assoc. Prof. A. Vadalouca, and other dear Colleagues
1. It managed to have a 3rd sub-question submitted to the Greek Parliament regarding the improvement of palliative care provision in Greece (the last two were also submitted following HSPSCCNCP initiative). This year's sub-question was submitted by the SYRIZA Parliament Representative, Mr. Perikles Korovesis, in 11/11/2008.
2. Greek people were brought up-to-date on the messages of the World Day, as well as on the specific issues regarding the provision of palliative care in Greece, through the following:
• Radio and TV messages which, this year, were broadcasted more frequently than any other time.
• Articles by our members in the Hellenic Press and participation of our members in radio broadcasts.
• Press releases, sent to all Greek mass media, which included all the demands of the Greek and World scientific community regarding the right for access to palliative care.
• The October issue of "Palliative Care" newsletter was dedicated to the 2008 World Day
Speaking: Prof. L. Radbruch, President of the European Association for Palliative Care
3. Regarding the scientific part of the celebration, HSPSCCNCP organized the 10th Scientific Meeting on Regional Anesthesia, Pain and Palliative Care, with international participation, which included important people of the European medical community, such as the President of the European Association for Palliative Care, Professor L. Radbruch, the President of the European Federation of IASP Chapters, Professor G. Varrassi, the ESRA past President, Professor S. Gligorijevic, and other well-known international invited speakers (Nicosia, Cyprus, 20-23 November 2008). The Congress was a great success, with more than 500 participants who enjoyed the high-standard scientific and social events. Following the Congress's conclusion, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cyprus decided to establish the first Pain & Palliative Care Center in the Oncology Department of Nicosia General Hospital.
4. For the artistic part of the celebration, HSPSCCNCP held a concert by the famous Greek-Cypriot artist, Lia Vissi, as well as an event with traditional musicians and dancers from Cyprus (Nicosia, Cyprus, 20-23 November 2008).
Traditional Dancers from Cyprus appearing in one of the artistic events of the 10th Scientific Meeting on Regional Anesthesia, Pain and Palliative Care
A traditional Cypriot Dancer
The famous Greek-Cypriot artist, Lia Vissi, during a concert held by the HSPSCCNCP.
5. For the advertising part of the campaign, HSPSCCNCP invited all Greek people to visit the www.grpalliative.org website and to provide signed support for Palliative Care in Greece. This letter is already signed by at least 2,000 Greek people, including academics, artists, intellectuals and politicians. A campaign for signed support is continuously running on HSPSCCNCP's website, www.grpalliative.org.
Look at our WHPCD event in 2007
Contact for permissions:
Athina Vadalouca MD, PhD, FIPP
Associate Professor of Anaesthesia, Pain Relief and Palliative Care,
Medical School, University of Athens
Email: anais@aretaieio.uoa.gr
Site: www.grpalliative.org
Contact:
HELLENIC SOCIETY OF PALLIATIVE AND SYMPTOMATIC CARE OF CANCER AND NON-CANCER PATIENTS
Xifiou 7, 11471, Athens, Greece
Τel:+302106457878
fax:+302106421710
info@grpalliative.gr
www.grpalliative.org
HELLENIC SOCIETY OF PALLIATIVE SYMPTOMATIC CARE OF CANCER AND NON CANCER PATIENTS
- Τμήμα Ευρωπαϊκής Ομοσπονδίας Παρηγορητικής Φροντίδας (EAPC)
- Mέλος Ομάδας Εργασίας Παρηγορητικής Φροντίδας Κεντρικής και Ανατολικης Ευρώπης (ECEPT)
Website (English version) Website (Greek version)
The Hellenic Society of Palliative and Symptomatic Care of Cancer and Non Cancer Patients is a scientific, non profitable Society, founded in 1997 by scientists working with patients suffering from chronic pain or who are terminally ill. Our aim is to promote care for these people, to sensitise the State to matters concerning Palliative Care and to assist in any possible way the international research conducted around Chronic Pain and end stage disease.