Since launching our service last year, we have provided care to over 100 patients and completed nearly 1,500 home visits, all while navigating the significant challenges our team faces on a daily basis. Just moving around the ancient streets of the region, with their narrow passages, unfinished roads and historic buildings, often force our team to leave their vehicles behind, carrying essential medical supplies by hand through the heat to reach patients in need.
A critical issue affecting our patients in the OPT is the severe shortage of medical supplies, particularly colostomy bags. Our team in the UK has received distressing reports that many patients and their caregivers have been forced to use plastic shopping bags in place of proper medical products. This dire situation has led to a significant loss of comfort and dignity for those affected. We are actively working to secure a reliable supply of these and other essential items, which our nurses require daily to provide the necessary care.
Among our current patients are two children: 2-year-old (I.S.), and 12-year-old (M.S.). The younger child is battling an advanced stage 4 brain tumour and is unable to leave Palestine to access the hospital care her family desperately seeks. Our team visits her several times each week, offering pain relief and managing her symptoms to the best of our ability, providing crucial support during this difficult time.
Addressing Unmet Needs
As the sole provider of palliative care in the OPT, we are deeply aware of the growing demand for our services. While we strive to meet the needs of our current patients in Bethlehem, we know that countless others in surrounding towns and cities endure unimaginable pain and suffering without access to proper care. In response, we have launched our first-ever Sponsor a Nurse appeal, aimed at securing regular funding to sustain and expand our services. This support is essential for us to continue our mission and to extend our reach to those who remain in desperate need of palliative care.
Click the button below to explore our Sponsor a Nurse appeal; any support however small, is a great help and very gratefully received.
