Palliative care home visit

 REPORT ON VISIT IN HRUDAYA PALLIATIVE CARE AND HOSPISIS 

On 11th November 2024, a group of 17 students and 2 teachers from Jesus Training College, Mala, along with the Executive Director Fr. Vineesh Vattoly, visited Hrudaya Palliative Care, located in Perambra, Kodakara. The visit aimed to understand the services provided by the center and engage with activities related to palliative care.

The visit began with a warm welcome from the Director of the center, Fr. Shaju Chirayath, and the Executive Director, Fr. Rinto Thekkineth. After the Director’s address, Nurse Superintendent Ms. Annie spoke to the students about the compassionate care provided to patients and the dedication of the staff in supporting those in need.

Fr. Shaju Chirayath shared the history of Hrudaya Palliative Care, which was established in memory of Bishop James Pazhayattil in 2016 under the Irinjalakuda Diocese, with its head office in Irinjalakuda. This institution was started to provide free English medicines to impoverished patients receiving palliative care at home and to offer medications at minimal cost to the general public. Today, it has grown to include six regional centers, including the Perambra location.

The center primarily serves patients with long-term or incurable diseases such as cancer, stroke, spinal diseases, old-age problems, nervous disorders, and bedridden conditions. Fr. Chirayath highlighted that "Hrudaya Palliative Care brings patients who require the most intensive care and comfort, especially bedridden patients, to the center where, under the leadership of doctors, 24-hour nursing care and bedside treatments are provided." The students were moved by the center’s dedication to offering compassionate care to those in need. In addition to providing essential medical services free of charge, the center operates through donations from generous individuals. The facilities at Hrudaya Palliative Care include airbeds, oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders, wheelchairs, suction machines, ambulance service, and a mobile freezer. Furthermore, the center maintains a policy that requires guardians to visit periodically, ensuring continued family support for the patients.

The students noticed that all areas of the center were exceptionally clean, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for the patients. During the visit, the students had the opportunity to speak with patients, who appeared fresh and happy, a testament to the compassionate and attentive treatment they receive from the staff. An aspect that deeply impacted the students was the staff’s attachment to the patients. The staff treats each patient as a family member, creating a warm and supportive environment that greatly contributes to the patients’ well-being and happiness.

The students also organized a fundraising initiative at their college and presented the collected funds to Fr. Shaju Chirayath, helping to support the center’s ongoing efforts.

Julia, on behalf of all the students, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at Hrudaya Palliative Care for their time, support, and dedication to providing essential services to the community.

The visit was a meaningful and enriching experience, as the students gained valuable knowledge about the operations of a palliative care center and the importance of providing quality care to those critically ill. The interaction with the staff and patients instilled a deep sense of empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in need of palliative care.