The local and international speakers welcoming HE the President of Malta
The International conference was organised by the Pastoral Care Commission for Health Caregivers in collaboration with the Faculty of Health Sciences on 29-30 March in the South Auditorium, Faculty of Health Sciences, Mater Dei Hospital.
The aim of the conference was to raise awareness on the significance of the ethical code of conduct and impact of spirituality in illness and health care, as well as to help health caregivers to reflect on their care, whilst enabling them to deliver holistic care in a multi-disciplinary team approach. Prior to the opening of the conference, Holy Mass was celebrated by H.G. Mons Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna for the repose of the souls of health caregivers who passed away. In his speech the Archbishop emphasised the need to humanise patient care. Foreign and local participants attended the Holy Mass.
Dr Josephine Attard, Chairperson of the Pastoral Care Commission for Health Caregivers welcomed the conference participants. While referring to the European Patient Charter, Professor Angela Xuereb, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, recommended meeting patients’ needs holistically. HE the President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca delivered the opening speech. The President emphasised the need of integrating the ethical code of professional conduct as a guide to safeguard the dignity of both the caregiver and that of the patients, while maintaining helpful professional teamwork at the workplace. An environment which fosters teamwork and loving relationships between the health caregivers will ultimately be beneficial to the vulnerable human person who depends so much on the competence in professional care.
A family with an experience in hospital gave a picture of the reality of holistic care, including the use of religious faith in the care of patients and the family. Diverse renowned local and international speakers presented papers and posters on various ethical and spiritual aspects in care. A video-clip of seven case scenarios under the direction by Mr Eric Grech drew the health caregivers’ attention to the importance of professional care. The conference came to a conclusion with singing by health caregivers,s namely, Dr Gianluca Bezzina and family, the tenor Alan Sciberras, and the soprano Astrid Cacciatore.
Foreign health care professionals coming from Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, Wales participated in the conference.