The Association of Palliative Care “Nadzieja” in Będzin has been running a public benefit activity since 2000, providing medical and spiritual assistance to adults, children and young people. Help includes patients with life-limiting conditions, i.e. in the terminal period of cancer and chronic diseases, as well as their families.
During the previous activity of the Association, we helped about 400 patients in the terminal phase of cancer. These patients were in their homes, while help consisted mostly of: purchase of medicines, food and Christmas gifts, provision of medical, rehabilitation and social care, support in organizing rehabilitation equipment, such as anti-bedsore mattresses, wheelchairs, walkers, orthopedic braces and others.
In addition, as an Association, we create support groups for families in mourning, and we also offer psychological and social assistance.
In a similar way we help patients staying in the Palliative Care Ward in Będzin. We provide them with voluntary, social and spiritual support.
From the beginning of the branch’s establishment, we organize Mikołaj, Christmas Eve, Easter, Sick Day and Women’s Day. These events are addressed not only to patients, but also to their families, volunteers of the Association and employees of the branch. We work with local schools whose pupils and teachers are happy to present short Nativity performances for the sick and hand-made Christmas gifts.
Help for the Palliative Care Department consisted in co-financing branch repairs, searching for sponsors for the purchase of the most expensive medicines or anti-bedsore dressings and the purchase of medical equipment such as: an inhaler and a mammal, beds and cabinets for patients, furniture for the treatment room, nursing and medical departments and rooms patients.
We also cooperate with nearby Home Hospices in Będzin, Dąbrowa Górnicza, Sosnowiec and Bytom, helping to care for the most seriously ill and their families.
We have developed educational activities by providing training in the field of palliative medicine and health promotion as prevention of cancer. The trainings were directed to medical staff, volunteers and high school students.
– In 2010, we organized and co-financed, together with the Będzin City Council, a Scientific Conference on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Palliative Care Unit in Będzin.
– In 2011, we organized and co-financed with the Silesian Chamber of Nursing a Qualification Course for Palliative Care Nurses. Next editions of the course are planned.
– Members of our Association are involved in pro-health campaigns organized in the Będzin poviat, such as: Bone marrow donors’ day, Biała Niedziela and others.
– We work with local clergy, supporting youth health education. This support consists in organizing a retreat with the participation of patients and their families.
Together with sponsors, we started the action of providing anti-bedsore mattresses free of charge to all patients from the Będzin Poviat. Decubitus ulcers can be formed within 48 hours of immobilization, and their treatment is long-lasting, painful and expensive.
In June 2011, we obtained the status of a Public Benefit Organization, which from 2012 allows us to apply for donations from 1% of donors’ revenues, and thus – to extend our activities. The funds obtained from the planned cash collections allow for the help of a larger group of patients.