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CROATIAN SOCIETY FOR PALLIATIVE MEDICINE |
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Croatian Association for Palliative Medicine of the Croatian Medical Association was established back in 1994 year, and we are proud to point out that it now counts about 200 members and associates (physicians, nurses, therapists, psychologists, social workers, clergymen, lawyers, etc) and co-operates with numerous other professional societies and associations of patients at home and abroad. Despite numerous professional activities in Croatia, so far there has not been established any institution for palliative care, or palliative ward in a hospital or hospice. Apart from the activities of several NGOs and local projects, palliative medicine is not integrated into the Croatian health care system. That's why we decided to launch a public-health campaign "Stay with me", with the aim of educating professionals and the public about palliative medicine and to raise funds for equipping the first Institution for palliative care in Zagreb, which would also represent the Referent Center and an incentive to open similar institutions in other parts of Croatia. The Institution will also have Pain Unit and Day Hospital. On Wednesday, April 21th 2010, we will hold a press conference and announce the beginning of the action that should last until the end of the year. A central event will be marking the World Day of palliative care, October 9th 2010. The action will also include the start of post-graduate courses with training in basics of palliative medicine and elective courses in several Medical Schools. All our activities will be soon to follow on a separate web page. We invite the palliative care community to share advice and experience to assist us in our efforts to the organization of palliative medicine in Croatia. We welcome any interesting articles for our education, experience about public actions, or written support. Marijana Braš, MD. PhD.
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