Since 2004, when the Center for Palliative Care was opened at the University Clinical Center Tuzla,
specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness has become part of the health system. The Center for Palliative Care and Pain Therapy improves the quality of lives of patients with tumors in the palliative stage, chronic diseases, and other life- limiting conditions. In addition to that one of the goals of palliative care is to provide psychosocial support to patients and families facing terminal illness.
When the COVID -19 pandemic began, parts of the Palliative Care Center facilities were adapted to the needs of the nearby Respiratory Center. Recently, the management team of the University Clinical Center Tuzla in agreement with the expert crisis council decided to return those facilities to their original state. As a result of the efforts of the Tuzla Canton Government, socially responsible individuals and companies, the facilities have been adapted and restored to their pre- pandemic state.
Assoc. Prof. Igor Hudić, medical director said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, over 1,200 life-threatening patients infected with the coronavirus were hospitalized in the Respiratory Center.
“We started with the admission of oncology patients immediatelly after the adaptation works in the Center for Palliative Care of the University Clinical Center Tuzla were finished.”
On this occasion, the head of the Center for Palliative Care Dr. Senad Izić said that currently there are eight hospitalized patients. The capacity of the Center for inpatients is thirteen beds.”We are working on taking care of patients in the terminal phase of illness, particularly oncology patients, trying to provide them with dignified peace. We are also dealing with other symptoms that occur in patients, and providing support for the families who care for these patients.” said Dr Izić.
According to statistical data from the Center for Palliative Care and Pain Therapy of the University Clinical Center Tuzla, about 300 patients are hospitalized annually. In addition, more than 1,000 specialist examinations and services are provided.
