An update on our partner, Ryder Albania
Back in November, we shared that our hospice partner, Ryder Albania, faced an uncertain future following the loss of significant funding.
Firstly, thank you. We know many of you have upheld the team in your prayers over recent months, and we wanted to share a brief update on both the challenges that remain and the encouraging signs of hope we have seen.
In June, our CEO, Anna Perolls, visited Albania with our Chair, Denis Keefe, and attended a reception hosted by the British Ambassador in support of Ryder Albania. Around 30 representatives from government, businesses and local organisations attended, providing a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of hospice and palliative care and begin important new conversations.
Most unexpectedly, on Anna’s flight home she found herself sitting next to the Prime Minister of Albania and his wife. Anna spoke at length with her about hospice care and the changes that Ryder Albania hopes to see, opening a conversation that she will continue to follow up in the months ahead.
There are also positive signs that the Ministry of Health may begin contributing towards the salaries of medical staff. While nothing has yet been officially confirmed, this represents an encouraging step towards greater recognition and support for hospice care in Albania. Given the uncertainty surrounding the current political situation in the country, we ask for prayer that these discussions will continue to move forward and result in significant, lasting support.
Alongside these hopeful developments, the challenges remain significant.
With funding from Sue Ryder UK having now ended, as well as the conclusion of a major 6-year grant secured by Hospices of Hope, Ryder Albania continues to face considerable financial pressure. The service in Tirana has reduced the team by one doctor and one nurse, and in Durrës there are now just two nurses and one doctor, despite there being no other specialist palliative care available in the region. Remarkably, even with fewer staff, the team continues to care for the same number of patients, often giving their own time voluntarily to ensure nobody is left without support.
The team has also shown innovation by launching a small social enterprise. Their new diagnostic laboratory offers blood tests and other services to the local community, with all profits helping to fund their hospice care work. Patients of Ryder Albania continue to access these services free of charge.
A nurse from Ryder Albania caring for a patient
Despite these encouraging initiatives, Ryder Albania still faces a funding shortfall of approximately £50,000. Although they are still hopeful to achieve some of this total, your support and prayers remain as important as ever.
Please consider donating today via the form below.
