Passion and compassion — two of the most powerful words in the English dictionary. In real life, these two establishes the connection between and amongst individuals — exceeding differences of both the superficial and innate. But, do we, as humans blessed with the capacity to think, embody them? Or as we just as good as the definition on paper?
Established in 2011, SPMC’s Palliative and Hospice Care has been extending their services beyond the usual. “Foremost, the services and center was created as both person centered and family oriented”, shared Dr. Rojim Sorrosa, Palliative Medicine Chairman/ Section Head of Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC). For Sorrosa, the Palliative and Hospice Care section aims to propagate liberation from pain. And that encompasses all forms of pain.
Life, as we know it, is a celebration of many beautiful things. Pain including. Nonetheless, humans as we are, we have developed this negative preconceived notion of pain. For most, it means the end; death even. Despite the uncertainty of death’s certainty, there is truly more to pain that meets the eye.
SPMC’s Palliative and Hospice Care epitomizes nurturing beyond the norm. As in medical terms, beyond prescription. There’s the medical aspect, yes, and there is also the humane aspect that many forego when dealing with patients and prescriptions.
The spread of both palliative and hospice care is an utmost need that many has taken for granted. Many equate the same to the care of dying patients — hopeless cases even. But that is not the case. That should never be the case. In truth, it seeks understanding beyond pain. Seeks comprehension in order to embrace its totality.
“We have catered to a number referrals and admissions since 2017”, Sorrosa said. “Considering the inadequate beds for patients, we see such a need as something positive — the yearning to be cared for, that is”, he further added.
“Our section deals with everything and everyone — patients suffering from burns, genetic diseases, Aids, HIV and so on. Including, but again, not limited, to cancer stricken patients”, Dr Sorrosa added.
Palliative and Hospice Care is not just for cancer patients. “Majority of referrals are suffering from cancer but we also care for a wide range of patients that needs tender loving care”, Dr Shella Akin- Bravo said. Dr Bravo is the Assistant Chairman Head of the Palliative Medicine of Southern Philippines Medical Center.
Together with Dr. Sorrosa and Dr. Bravo are Dr. Ayco (Training Officer, Palliative Medicine), Dr. Lanaban and Dr. Masecampo (Active Consultants) and Dr. Victolero, Dr. Raymundo and Dr. Espares (Fellows in Training).
Underutilised and a work in progress — yes, but that does not stop them from going beyond what is expected. “What we do is manage our schedule with the patients”, Dr. Sorrosa explained. The severity determines the urgency — though as much as they would like to cater to all “…we cannot do so as we are operating with limited resources”, he further added.
Hence, them welcoming volunteers further extend their hands to the cause, for the cause and by the cause. Psychosocial management tells you how a third party individual is able to handle others’ emotional and physical distress. Even extending to mental health issues. “A simple touch — or touch therapy— goes a long way”, shared Dr. Sorrosa. And it sure does.
“The way we see it, we need to strengthen and further our information drive in order to reach more than we already have”, Dr Sorrosa and Dr Bravo agrees. For them, educating the public, the patients and medical health practitioners will give them the leverage to continually and further inform the general public of the story behind each touch.
In addition to volunteers, the program also looks into giving caregivers a training so they understand the process of healing. Specifically equipping them with knowledge on how to take care of chronically ill patients at home. Not only will they understand the know-how but basically training them on how to improve quality of life despite the presence of pain.
“We want to empower communities…train them and equip them with guidelines”, Dr. Sorrosa said. “Aside from orientation and training, we want them to thoroughly understand the beauty behind Palliative and Hospice Care”, he added.
Established in 1989, SPMC’s Department of Family and Community Medicine has a 3-year residency program in the field of Primary and Preventive Care Medicine. It also offers a sub specialty training program in Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Passion and compassionate…because we (all) care.
