At present, there is no standalone Hospice facility in Barbados. The expected increase in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the coming decades will impose an onerous economic burden on the country and it is projected that by 2030, 86% of deaths in Barbados will be due to these diseases. Therefore, the need for hospice care will be even greater than it is today.

The Barbados Palliative Care Needs Assessment Project (BarNap) report of 2012 looked at evidence based palliative care models and assessed epidemiological need and cost implications. The study recommended a mixed model of community and institutional services and one of its key findings was that “there is a social preference in Barbados for a standalone inpatient hospice, capable of providing respite and specialist palliative care services to terminal and immediately pre-terminal cancer patients, as well as patients with non-cancer.”

The study further suggested that a 15 -20 bed facility would be adequate to serve the needs of Barbados for institutional Hospice care. BACA envisages a traditional Hospice setting where a team of professionals will work together to manage symptoms so that a person’s last days may be spent with dignity and quality, surrounded by their loved ones.

The BACA initiative is therefore driven by the need to:

• Provide an environment that is uplifting
• Offer a range of comfort and care services in one location
• Support the patient, family and caregivers
• Provide dignity and peace at the end of life.

Hospice allows a patient deemed to have fewer than six months to live to change the focus of their medical care from curative care to palliative or comfort care. Palliative care is an integral part of hospice care, but palliative care can stand on its own and is appropriate for any illness, at any age, and at any time during that illness.

The Barbados Hospice will be located at Coverley, Christ Church in a serene setting with easy access to support services. The modern ‘green’ facility will be purpose built and will offer a peaceful and soothing environment with gardens where patients and their families can enjoy moments of peace and respite.

It is important to keep in mind that worldwide, Hospices are developed and maintained by philanthropists and with support from government including subventions, tax rebates and other instruments.

There is governmental support for the project, in principle. Government has agreed to provide BACA with a long-term lease for the Hospice site at Coverley. A governmental subvention will be sought. The Hospice will take the stress off the “cancer ward” at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where terminal cancer patients without further curative options occupy acute care beds due to lack of home or institutional Hospice care.

Individual and corporate local donors, have pledged their commitment to provide cash and in-kind donations

• The USA Barbadian Diaspora has already donated more than BDS $100,000.
• The design for the facility has been approved.
• The cost of construction has been estimated at three million Barbados dollars. Prudence requires having on hand amounts to cover annual maintenance and capital for the first year of operations. BACA continues to seek a major donor and fund-raising activities in the local and international communities are ongoing. BACA also welcomes will and estate donations.

Access to the Hospice will be activated through a referral by the patients’ attending physician. The Hospice will be available to all persons who have a terminal non-communicable illness, in circumstances where life saving options have been exhausted. The patient’s needs will be paramount and frequent assessments by the specialist nurses and collaboration with the family will be done to determine the type of support and care that will be offered.

• Traditional and alternative modalities for pain management
• Relaxation therapies
• Non-denominational / Spiritual Guidance
• Qualified staff and trained volunteers
• Peaceful environment

All patients in residence and their supporting families/friends who require respite care.

Charitable organizations survive on volunteerism. Your time is a priceless asset so with that in mind consider where you skill set(s) could best be utilized. Some considerations include:

• Social Marketing
• Event planning
• Entertainment
• Patient support services
• Construction work
• On-going maintenance
• Gardening

Bear in mind that a successful initiative will need support and perseverance from all stakeholders on ongoing basis.