Compassion has no start and no end. It is a continuing process whose effect is felt for generations to come.
“To cure sometimes, to relieve often, to comfort always.” This famous quote came from the late 19 th century as coined by Edward Livingston Trudeau, founder of the famed tuberculosis sanitarium at Saranac Lake in New York's Adirondacks. It is the guiding principle for the establishment of The Ruth Foundation for Palliative and Hospice Care (TRF). We may not be able to save all patients, but there is a constant service we can provide – comfort and care.
In its humble beginnings nearly ten years ago, TRF partnered with its surrounding community in Muntinlupa. From geriatric patients, it also caters today to patients from all age groups. With this comes the realization that we need to expand the palliative and hospice care service. With the establishment of the Universal Health Care Law, the vision is to provide TRF’s services to all communities in the country. No one will be left behind.
Utilizing the power and reach of the internet and other technologies, TRF launched among care providers the Palliative Collab project. It aims to provide information to all palliative and hospice care providers to connect with patients. Both private and public partnerships will be enhanced so that we can become good providers of end-of-life care, and symptom management would hopefully become accessible to everyone. Care providers will be accredited, and these partners will be empowered to make the Philippines a model of compassion in the future.
The Ruth Foundation for Palliative and Hospice Care (TRF) Founder, Dr. Rumalie Corvera, discusses the vision and mission of TRF and its plans for the future.
The PalCollab project as explained by Dr. Corvera will become the prototype for the provision of palliative and hospice care. It still has a long way to go, and admittedly, it is an ambitious project. The initial 3-year timeline that includes the provision of tele-consults and volunteer networks will be expanded from its home base in Muntinlupa. The gathering of palliative care providers is an invitation to participate in the project and enkindle the compassion that has made Filipino caregivers world-renowned for their hospitality.
TRF Executive Director, Dr. Rana Mendoza, explaining the PalCollab project to the Palliative and Hospice Care providers in the Country.
Is the provision of palliative and hospice care limited to those with medical training? Dr. Mendoza mentions that the answer is no because the project will also need – among others - information technology specialists, artists who can teach crafts, administrators who can organize events, or ordinary individuals with the inclination to comfort and visit the sick. Everyone has a role to contribute to lifting the spirits of those who have health issues. The possibilities are limitless.
TRF Director for Patient Care Services, Dr. Nanette Cruz, introduces the members of the PalCollab team. It includes physicians, nurses, caregivers, social workers, pharmacists, psychological and spiritual support providers, and various volunteers and staff.
The services provided by PalCollab will include medical and nursing services, physician and institutional referrals, counseling, institutional training, medication and supplies procurement, financial sourcing, volunteer training and empowerment, and outsourcing of caregivers, among others. For more details, please visit the website www.ruth.ph/palcollab