Hospice of the Upper Galilee (HUG) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. The main purpose of Hospice of the Upper Galilee is to provide supportive and palliative care to cancer patients who reside in the Galilee panhandle and northern Golan Heights of northern Israel. Hospice of the Upper Galilee is academically linked to the Tel Hashomer Hospice and has the official endorsement of the Israeli Cancer Society.
Services that are offered by Hospice of the Upper Galilee include:
• A comprehensive evaluation of the patient's home in order to assess the patient's current medical and social situation. It also allows for the hospice to determine the specific needs of that particular patient as well as the patient's family.
• Periodic home visits. These allow for the hospice to ensure that the patient is receiving optimal symptom control and help coordinating the special services that are required in every given case.
• Twenty - four hour a day, seven day a week telephone availability of a physician that can respond personally to the patient's house in case of an emergency.
• Coordination between all that are involved in the patient's care, including the patient's family doctor and oncologist.
• Going to expert consultants if necessary.
• The support of the hospice's professional colleagues in their cancer patient care, which can take many forms including the provision of case discussions, information, and moral support if there is a difficult case that needs managing.
• Continued maintenance of the most comprehensive database in all of Israel on palliative care topics. This is a resource for family physicians in the Galilee area and beyond.
• Very soon, the hospice plans on opening its own inpatient facility in the northern Israel area of the Galilee in order for patients who require respite care or terminal care. This will allow them to have a hospice that is not in a remote area from their homes.
There are a few different ways to refer a patient to the HUG.
• For patients that are General Sick Fund members, one should apply by going to their family doctor in order to submit a request through the Continuing Care Unit of the Fund: 06-6940555.
• For patients that are other Sick Funds members, or any patient in an emergency situation, one should apply directly to the HUG by telephone and fax: 04-6860317, Fax: 04-6934127.
There are many ways to help HUG. The organization is primarily supported by voluntary donations. To make an on-line contribution, or a contribution of any kind, please follow the link below. You will find more information on HUG as well as finding various contact information. Since 1/3 of the funding needed to continue the organization comes from private donations, HUG could use your help in order to help others.