Volunteers from 'Hospiss LV' Start Bringing Joy to Palliative Patients at Jelgava Hospital

The public benefit organization 'Hospiss LV' has expanded its volunteer program to Jelgava City Hospital, launching regular visits from June 18 to bring emotional comfort to palliative care patients. The hospital's internal medicine ward, with 60 beds, is often called the 'sad ward' because it also treats patients without relatives. The organization's project 'Festive Table' started in 2019 and now covers ten hospitals in eight Latvian cities, including Riga, Cēsis, Valmiera, Bauska, Liepāja, Kuldīga, Ventspils, and now Jelgava. Volunteers visit weekly, bringing treats, coffee, tea, and most importantly, their time and conversation. So far, over 16,000 patients have been cheered by the project.

Ilze Zosule, co-founder of 'Hospiss LV', emphasized that the project has grown beyond individual events into a systematic effort across Latvia. She noted that emotional contact often outweighs medical treatment for these patients. Volunteers undergo a 30-hour training course and must pass a test before engaging with patients, learning how to communicate without causing harm. They are instructed never to comment on treatment methods.

Volunteer Jānis Bite, who has been with the organization for a year and a half, shared a touching story: during a visit in Bauska, the team gave a patient lilacs, and the man wept with joy, saying it meant 'so much'. Jānis, who lost his mother after a long illness, realized the importance of being present at the end of life. He reflected that healthy people often complain about trivial things while a bunch of lilacs can be a dream for someone.

Jelgava City Hospital board member Aelita Plinta thanked 'Hospiss LV' for the initiative, stressing that patients need mental strength and encouragement. The hospital provides emergency care to about 34,000 people annually and employs 602 staff, including 150 doctors and 220 nurses, physician assistants, and midwives.

During the visit, a cooperation agreement was signed, and volunteers toured the wards, chatting with patients and offering Midsummer-themed treats. Jelgava Mayor Mārtiņš Daģis attended, quoting former Latvian President Jānis Čakste, urging people to go beyond duty and calling the volunteers' work 'blessed'.

'Hospiss LV' invites anyone interested to participate in various ways—donating, baking, knitting, playing music, or creating flower arrangements. Applications can be sent to pieteikumi@hospiss.lv or via the organization's website.