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A heartwarming story of community spirit and unwavering dedication has culminated in the unveiling of the newly renovated Friends' Hospice in Tala. After a period of temporary closure, this beacon of compassion is poised to once again offer solace and support to those facing life-limiting illnesses.
The journey began in 2004, when a small group of primarily British residents in Paphos, recognizing a critical need for palliative care, established the Friends' Hospice. From 2006 to 2019, they provided invaluable care to nearly 2,000 patients from Cyprus and beyond, operating from private clinics. However, the pandemic forced a temporary suspension of services in 2020.
Now, thanks to the incredible generosity of a British couple, the Friends' Hospice has found a permanent home in a spacious villa in the Stephanie area of Tala. Donated on the sole condition that it serve as a palliative care center, the villa, now known as Waugh House in honor of its benefactors, has been lovingly renovated to meet the highest standards of care. Its serene setting and breathtaking sea views offer a tranquil environment for patients and their families.
The renovation, transforming the villa into a state-of-the-art facility with six private patient rooms, each with its own bathroom, was made possible by the remarkable generosity of the community. A fundraising campaign, spearheaded by British residents and supported by significant contributions from the Cypriot community, ensured the project's success. Local businesses also stepped up, offering generous discounts and even free labor.
The Friends' Hospice will provide free, specialized palliative care, focusing on pain management, symptom relief, and emotional and spiritual support for patients and their families. The dedicated team of medical professionals, nurses, and palliative care specialists will create a warm and welcoming environment, ensuring that every patient feels at home.
"Our goal is to provide a haven of warmth, comfort, and love," said a representative of the Friends' Hospice. "We want to restore the reputation we had before, offering an improved quality of life to every patient."
The hospice works in close collaboration with the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society and the Arodaphnousa Palliative Care Center, ensuring the highest quality of care.
At the heart of the Friends’ Hospice are its volunteers. Their selfless dedication is essential to the smooth operation of the center and its charity shops, providing invaluable support to patients and families. "We extend our heartfelt thanks to our volunteers," said a spokesperson. "Without them, the hospice simply could not function."
With information from Pafos Net.
