Congratulations to Order of Malta members Tanya Murphy DMG and Sauro Antonelli AM KMG (Ob), who were acknowledged for their 5 years of service as volunteers for Eastern Palliative Care (EPC) biography program.

EPC support people with a terminal / life-limiting illness who have complex symptoms whether they be physical, psychosocial, emotional or spiritual. It is a partnership between the Order of Malta, Outer East Palliative Care Service Inc. and St Vincent’s Hospital (Melbourne) Ltd.

Volunteers for the biography project undertake a significant commitment, with each biography volunteer working one on one with EPC clients allowing them to tell their story.  Biography recordings alone takes place over 6 – 10 visits of one hour in duration.

The process of storytelling enables messages, philosophies, beliefs, memories and culture to pass from one person to the next.  Many clients also report a reduction in anxiety, depression, pain and breathlessness and an increase in self esteem as a result of undertaking this. The biographies also help families and friends to deal with bereavement: they are a way to maintain a bond, to feel the presence of those who have left this world, to smile while remembering them.

In addition to members volunteering in the biography program, they also play an active part in the administration of EPC, which is fully accredited through The Australian Council on Health Care Standards (ACHS) ensuring quality, safety and performance at all levels of service delivery.