About Us > Who We Are
Who We Are
Hospis Malaysia is a charitable organisation providing professional community palliative care to those with life-limiting illnesses (such as cancer, AIDS, organ failure or progressive neurological conditions.) We are not affiliated to any political, religious, governmental or private groups, and are managed by a team of medical professionals, a handful of administrative staff, together with volunteer-professionals who govern our overall policies and administer our finances. Services and facilities by Hospis Malaysia are offered free-of-charge.
It is our mission to ensure that every Malaysian is aware of, and has access to palliative care services when the need arises. The aim is to enhance the quality of life of patients by assessing their medical, psychological and emotional conditions and treating them accordingly. Medication (if necessary) is prescribed at no cost and under proper supervision. Psychological and emotional assistance are also extended to family members. Research shows that good assessment and management of physical and emotional symptoms early in the patient’s illness can reduce the burden for both the patient and their families and forms the foundation of quality palliative care.
In line with our increasing focus on advocacy for greater accessibility to palliative care in the country, Hospis Malaysia continues to strengthen its lead position in education and training in palliative care while offering the highest possible quality of palliative care to patients living with life-limiting illnesses in the Klang Valley. Hospis Malaysia is committed to advancing palliative care programs and research with the aim of ensuring that palliative care becomes fully integrated into the country’s health care system.
Vision
We aim to provide access to the highest possible quality of evidence-based palliative care to everyone in need so as to provide relief from, and prevent pain and suffering associated with progressive and life-threatening illness.
Missions
Our mission is to:
• Provide the best possible palliative care services to the community we serve and in so doing, improve the quality of life of our patients and their families.
• Provide the best possible education and training to healthcare professionals and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge in the practise of palliative care.
• Increase awareness about the needs of those with progressive and life-threatening illnesses
• Value life and promote quality of life for all patients regardless of illness or stage through advocacy, education and research
Values
We strongly believe in respect, compassion, and knowledge as our guiding principles in everything that we do. It is with these standards that each of us conduct our day-to-day behaviour and decision-making.
Our values can be summarised with the acronym I CARE:
Integrity – I will work openly, honestly, and treat everyone fairly.
Compassion – I will be kind, thoughtful, and show genuine interest in everyone I am in contact with including my colleagues, my patients and their families, and my supporters.
Accountability – I will take responsibility for all my decisions and actions, and I will not blame anyone else for my mistakes.
Respect – I will value others and recognise that the quality of my work is dependent on the entire team. I also need to recognise the diversity of others’ opinions and culture and learn from this diversity.
Excellence – I will strive to learn, improve, and give my best.
Our journey began with one nurse and two volunteer doctors. Through time, our palliative care services have expanded, and we constantly look for opportunities to further develop our care for patients. The staff of Hospis Malaysia has also made our dream possible with their strong support.
Brief Timeline
1991
Hospis Malaysia started as it remains today, a charitable organisation run by a board of council members
1992
Started domiciliary palliative care in February 1992
1997
Hospis Malaysia increased its clinical activities and confidently ventured into palliative care training and education.
1998
Completion and launch of Hospis Malaysia building
1999
Introduced first palliative care themed workshop
2000
Introduced Day Care for patients to engage in therapeutic activities
2002
Collaborates with the Asia Pacific Hospice Network (APHN)
2005
Hospis Malaysia hosts its inaugural “Voices for Hospices” event.
2009-2010
- Dr. Ednin Hamzah co-authored ‘Hospice and Palliative Care in South East Asia’.
- Awarded a research grant by the WHO, Altarum Institute and Diana Fund to conduct research on ‘Decent Care Values in palliative care’
2011
Education and training becomes a core service.
2012
- Royal Visit: The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge visit Hospis Malaysia.
- Minister of Health launches National Paediatric Palliative Care (PPC) Programme during Royal Visit.
2014
- Developed and launched a symbol for palliative care, a first globally
- Employed ‘e-technology’ to manage patient records
2015
- Commissioned Ernst & Young to conduct an internal control of its processes
- Organised the national ‘Train the Trainers in Palliative Care’ workshop in conjunction with Marie Curie Palliative Care Institute, Liverpool
- Organised weekly Outpatient Rehab sessions
2016
- Hospis Malaysia celebrated 25 years in Malaysia.
- Published ‘Palliative Care Needs Assessment: Malaysia’ report
- Organised monthly workshops for caregivers