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updated: 19 January 2010
PAEDIATRIC NEWS
We are delighted to announce the founding of the Greek Society for Pediatric Palliative Care. The basic aim of our society is to promote the philosophy of pediatric palliative care according to internationally established standards of care and to ensure the development of pediatric palliative care practices and services that are culturally sensitive and appropriate.
The 24 founding members of our society have various educational backgrounds and long experience in the care of children, adolescents and young adults with life- threatening and life- limiting conditions. Members include pediatricians and nurses specialized in oncology, neurology, critical care, and social pediatrics, psychologists, social workers, physiotherapists, sociologists as well as parents who actively advocate for the rights of children and families facing serious illness.
The Society co-organized the 1st Panhellenic Symposium on Pediatric Palliative Care, which was held in Athens, on March 21st, 2009 and attended by health care professionals, educators, health managers and parents. Amongst the keynote speakers, Sister Frances Dominica presented her pioneer work in pediatric palliative care in the U.K., Professor Myra Bluebond- Langner addressed communication issues throughout the child’s illness trajectory, Greek experts described the obstacles and opportunities of implementing palliative care for children and adolescents in Greece, and a panel of parents addressed the challenges encountered by families of children with various life-limiting conditions.
Through designated committees, the Society currently reviews and promotes the Standards of Care and the Rights of Children with Life-Threatening Conditions, and contributes to the sensitization and training of Greek health care professionals on the principles of pediatric palliative care. Finally, it cultivates collaborations with international organizations, groups, and services to promote pediatric palliative care across the world.
The elected Board of Directors of the Greek Society for Pediatric Palliative Care includes the following members:
President: Danai Papadatou, Ph.D.
Vice- President: Helen Vassilatou-Kosmides, MD
Secretaries: Maria Bouri, MD, MA, D Pall Med and Gerassimos Papanastasatos, Ph.D.
Treasurer: Ioanna Karastamati
Members: Yanis Maistros, Ph.D. and Thalia Bellali, RN, Ph.D.
Deputy Members: Anastasia Tsadila, S.W., Helen Skouteli, MD and Tina Garanis- Papadatos, Ph.D
The President, D. Papadatou, PhD
Professor of Clinical Psychology
Faculty of Nursing, University of Athens
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