Shafie commends palliative care volunteers, staff By Jenne Lajiun
KOTA KINABALU: More than 3,500 patients and families have benefited from the partnership between Palliative Care Association (PCA) and Palliative Care Unit of Queen Elizabeth Hospital 1.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Shafie Apdal said the two bodies have provided continuity of care from hospital to home and home to hospital for the patients and their families who needed this special care since 1998.
“I am happy to note that this model of healthcare delivery between an NGO and Government hospital has proven to be very effective and beneficial to the community,” he said.
He added that the state government will continue to render its support to PCA.
Shefie charities exist because members and volunteers of an organisation believed in its importance.
“However, as we progress with time there will be challenges in the future, therefore charity organisations must be open to partnership, to share expertise and resources; to focus on the benefits that working together will bring,” he said.
Shafie commended the members, volunteers and staff of the Palliative Care Associaton (PCA) for what they do and for the excellence in how they do it.
He said that PCA has given much to the society through contributed talents, time and creativity.
“Over the years, we read about many achievements and accomplishments of many notable people, but you, the PCA has contributed something else - your example,” he said.
Shafie also applauded the efforts of the members, volunteers and staff of the PCA not only for their willingness to support the association to provide palliative care to terminally ill individuals, but also to the team who worked hard to raise funds to enable the association to purchase the necessary items needed to run the PCA HomeCare Home.
“The commitments and willingness of these members and volunteers are indeed commendable,” he said at the annual charity dinner held at the Magellan Sutera Harbour resort yesterday.
The annual charity dinner serves to help raise funds for the association.
Among others PCA provides medical aid and equipment for patients to use at home, to give comfort and facilitate families to look after their loved ones in their homes.
PCA is committed to ease the burden of patients with incurable cancers and other terminal diseases.
This year’s event featured The Australian Bee Gees Tribute to Bee Gees, a five-piece band headed by Michael Clift as Barry, David Scott as Robin and Wayne Hosking as Maurice.
Also present at the event were PCA president Rokiah Yaacob, organising chairperson Datuk Margaret Lim and patron Datuk Victor Paul.
A cheque of RM100,000 was also presented by Datuk Ambrose Lee.