Bayt
Abdullah Children’s Hospice was designed
to accommodate the needs of children with life-limiting
and life-threatening conditions and their families,
in Kuwait. The hospice building itself is part
of a continuum of care that offers children and
their families the maximum freedom of choice without
compromising the quality of that care, whether
at home in hospital or within the hospice itself.
This fully comprehensive service will offer day
care facilities, residential respite, emergency
and terminal care The design has focused on the
needs of children and their families with the
emphasis on an attractive, child
friendly, inter-active
environment and a comfortable, homely atmosphere, supported
by trained, highly skilled paediatric nursing and medical
staff.
Who needs Bayt Abdullah?
When a child is born most parents dream of a future together, expecting to watch their child grow up to be healthy, successful and happy. For most families that dream comes true, but for others, the dream is shattered when they are told that their child has an illness which offers no hope of recovery.
Each year over 100 children die in Kuwait from conditions for which there is no cure, or for which treatment has failed.
International research suggests that there are 10 times as many children living with life-limiting conditions as die from them, and half that number would need some level of palliative care.
Based on the findings of international research and the number of children who die each year from life-limiting and life-threatening conditions in Kuwait , we can estimate that over 500 children and their families could have benefited from the services that will be offered at Bayt Abdullah.
How can I help Bayt Abdullah?
Make your cheque payable to: Bayt Abdullah / KACCH
or pay direct into the Bayt Abdullah / KACCH
account no. 000 306 576 01 10
at the National Bank of Kuwait , Head Office , Kuwait
Where can I get more information?
Contact the KACCH office at the Amiri Hospital
Tel: 246-4723 / 246-4721
What is a children's hospice?
A children's hospice is a centre which gives support to children who are terminally ill, in a homelike, welcoming environment. It offers flexible family- centred care and support, which includes palliative care for pain and symptom control, day care facilities for play and recreation, and residential facilities for respite, emergency and terminal care. It aims to be a “home away from home” for those children and their families who need support to live as full and enriching a life as possible, for as long as possible.
Allah said, ”The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn: it groweth ears, and each ear hath a hundred grains. Allah giveth manifold increase to whom He pleaseth: and Allah careth for all and He knoweth all things.” Surrat Al-Baqarah 261
Why Bayt Abdullah?
The proposed children's hospice for Kuwait was inspired by a young boy called Abdullah who returned to Kuwait following treatment in London for neuroblastoma. After lengthy hospital stays and often painful procedures there was eventually no further treatment possible that would offer hope for a cure.
Abdullah's mother promised him that he would never again have to stay in a hospital.
In 1989, after attending a series of lectures organised by KACCH on children's perceptions of death and dying, Abdullah's mother approached KACCH, and it was agreed that they would help her take care of her little boy at home. Abdullah died in her arms at home just before his fifth birthday.
Witnessing Abdullah and his family's courage and determination to live as normal a life as possible in the face of his approaching death, encouraged KACCH to work towards the provision of similar
care for other children in Kuwait who are terminally ill. A children's hospice has now been designed to give those children the specialised care they need, ensuring peace and dignity at the end of their short lives, and provide their families with support and comfort in their bereavement. It will be called “Bayt Abdullah” in memory of Abdullah and his family.
Allah said, “Do ye spend in the least (in His cause) but he replaces it: for He is the best of those of who grant sustenance.” Surrat Saba 39
Objectives of Bayt Abdullah
* To offer palliative and respite care to children suffering from life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, primarily within the child's home, recognising that home is the preferred place of care for the child, within the family.
* To provide 24 hour, 7 day a week medical back up and consultation for the hospice home-care teams.
* To create an inviting, child friendly day care and residential facility, which would provide palliative care, play and recreational activities, including respite care when the medical or social problems are beyond the capability of the home setting.
* To reduce the stress and trauma often associated with inpatient admission to hospital, such as separation from family and friends, by ensuring that all facilities offered at the hospice are family and child centred .
* To offer a caring, professional hand to children with terminal conditions and to support their families through this time.
Allah said, “The closest people to God are the philanthropists and the most pleasing deeds to His Lord are making others happy or solving their problems or paying their debts or feeding the hungry.” Hadith by Tabrani
