Magyar
Four first ladies of Hungary have accepted the patronage of the jubilee programs of the Hungarian Hospice Foundation that is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year. Their presence and contribution adds special importance to this service that fills a major gap within the health care system.
The Hungarian Hospice Foundation was founded in 1991 under the guidance of Alaine Polcz. Its primary goals had been to make the final period in the lives of cancer patients acceptable and worthwhile. The basic activities of our Foundation include adequate pain control, the preservation of the dignity of our patients as well as the psychological support of their families
We offer treatment to incurable cancer patients in the comfort of their homes, or, if needed, in the Budapest Hospice House. The treatment and care we offer is always tailored to the individual needs of the patient and free of charge.
There is a growing demand in society for palliative health care services (i.e. pain control). Nevertheless, the costs of maintenance and functioning are only partially provided by the National Health Insurance. In the year of its anniversary, the Hungarian Hospice Foundation intends to focus primarily on raising awareness of its activities, on the organization of national as well as international trainings and, last but not least, on maintaining the social interest surrounding its work.
To support these objectives, we have been organizing the Daffodil Program each year since 2007. The popular Daffodil Foot Race held in spring as well as the common daffodil-planting events held in autumn attract widespread attention to the importance of palliative treatment. There is a special educational program designed to raise the awareness of children and young adults to the issues of human dignity and solidarity
The Hungarian Hospice Foundation has to cover some 60% of its expenses from grants and tenders. The 1% tax-offerings are also indispensable contributions to our costs of functioning. Artists, public figures, companies and businessmen have supported us to enable the adequate health care service of hundreds of patients including physical and psychological support.
Our work is supported by more than 100 volunteer workers. The Volunteer Worker of the Year in 2010 was awarded to a worker of our foundation.
