Following the success of the Erasmus+ EndCare project on End-of-Life issues (Erasmus+ EndCare Project - University of Malta 2015 - 2018), the second phase of studying End of Life issues, this time in the community, was launched through a Seminar that took place at the Central Auditorium within the Medical School at Mater Dei Hospital.
The Seminar was opened by Minister for Active Ageing, Hon. Mr Jo-Etienne Abela, who expressed his positive views that end-of-life issues are being addressed so thoroughly. He noted that it is important to understand and implement 'a good death' and in this regard, tailor palliative care for the elderly.
The Bioethics Research Platform (BRP) of the Faculty of Medicine & Surgery, University of Malta, shall, for the duration of this project, be collaborating with the Bioethics Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Health, as well as other relevant university platforms, such as the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Faculty of Theology and the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, and community entities including the Malta Health Network, Curia, and St Vincent the Paule Residence Ethics Committee, and the Malta College of Family Doctors and Hospice Malta.
Prof. Pierre Mallia from the Faculty of Medicine & Surgery addressed those present by giving a summary of EndCare1, and explaining the objectives of EndCare2.
The new project will give particular importance to the treatment of the elderly in the community and the palliative care in their regard. Contrary to what is generally understood by the general population, palliative care is not only for those who have cancer or who have been diagnosed with a terminal disease, but it also includes those dying of heart failure, respiratory diseases, and so on.
Dr Joe Dimech, Chairman of the SCPR Ethics Committee, also addressed the assembly with a detailed talk on the advantages of having an Advanced Care Plan being discussed by doctors with patients and their families, which plan can be altered at any time.
The importance of constructing useful pathways to implement retreats or summers schools for professionals, pushing for adequate legislation and implanting curricula, Advanced Care Planning and other useful tools such as ethics committees ensued in the following discussion.
The project will include a yearly Conference, Seminar, Workshops and Summer Schools over a period of three years.
