Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital Launches 'Hospice and Palliative Care Awareness Campaign'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Regional Hospice Center at Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital announced on the 18th that it conducted the 'Hospice and Palliative Care Awareness Campaign' from the 12th to the 15th in celebration of Hospice Day (the second Saturday of October).

Hospice and palliative care is a medical service that stops meaningless life-prolonging treatments for terminal cancer patients or patients in the dying process and provides comprehensive treatment in physical, psychosocial, and spiritual areas to patients and their families.

Under the theme "Relieving Pain and Filling the Heart," the campaign included exhibitions of storytoons related to hospice and palliative care, distribution of promotional materials about hospice and palliative care services, guidance and counseling on hospice types (inpatient, home-based, consultation) for customers and staff visiting the hospital.

Additionally, a joint campaign was conducted with hospice specialized institutions in the 6 regions (Gwangju, Jeonnam, Jeju), support for the 'Visiting Hospice' event held at the Gurye County five-day market, support for the Hospice Day event at Gwangju Seo-gu Public Health Center, and joint promotional activities with the Gwangju Metropolitan City Health Policy Division.

The center canceled the annual 'Hospice and Palliative Care Charity Bazaar' to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and is instead conducting a fundraising campaign throughout October.

The donations will be used for hospice development projects such as medical expenses, living expenses, and scholarships for children of hospice patients and their families.

Shim Hyunjung, director of the Regional Hospice Center (professor of oncology), said, "In Korea, where the number of cancer patients is rapidly increasing, palliative care services are absolutely necessary, but the utilization rate is very low," adding, "We will do our best to spread correct awareness of hospice and palliative care and improve the quality of services."