6 June 2019
During our visit to the OLV Hospital we got the honor to visit the palliative or hospice care facility. Honestly, the time there gave me a new perspective on the Belgian healthcare system. Even though the doctor who worked there was very soft spoken she spoke with great pride about the quality of life the staff including her provides with the financial assistance from the government. This pertains for every 150,000 habitants there is 6 patients per facility that the government provides.
The patients who come are in the last weeks of their lives. There is an emphasis on providing for the patient as well as their families in the unit. The hospice is created to be similar to a home with a kitchen, kids area, living room, and even a bath. So, the family can come and be with their loved ones in comfort. The hospice follows the wishes and schedule surrounding the patient. It’s really nice because then the family can cook dinner together if they please.
This is a struggling and stressful time for the patient and the family. There are psychologists and the doctors talk them through any fears they may have. I thought it was so interesting that even the cleaning staff made connections with the patients and helped them through their last days. Additionally, I was amazed by the doves. If one cannot speak their feelings them they can write it on a piece of paper and make a paper dove out of it. This shows how they even communicate through art and text in this nonjudgmental environment.
Personally, the hospice care in Belgium is brilliant and truly wants the patient to do well and let the patient not be afraid of death. There last days can be remembered and it will make it a bit easier for the families to have closure. This is a great option for patients without families as well because the volunteers, psychologists, nurses, and doctors become your family. Overall, the hospice care is an important tool for the citizens to become closer as a country by supporting each other.
- Sanjana Pathi
Public Health Abroad! 