The Day Hospice of the Center for Palliative Care and Pain Therapy at the University Clinical Center Tuzla (UKC Tuzla) has officially reopened. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospice facilities were temporarily repurposed to accommodate the needs of the Respiratory Center.
With the return to regular operations, day palliative care services are now housed within the Children’s Palliative Care facility. The newly adapted space includes several dedicated rooms: a living room with a kitchen for social interaction and relaxation, a consultation room for medical assessments, and a patient room designed for seriously ill individuals in need of rest and continuous care.
Plans are also underway to re-establish the “Spiritual Room,” a quiet, inclusive space where patients and their family members may engage in prayer or reflection according to their faith. In addition, a spacious winter garden is available, offering a peaceful environment for patients and visitors.
Since its establishment in 2004, the Center for Palliative Care and Pain Therapy has integrated palliative care into the health system at UKC Tuzla. The Center provides comprehensive support for patients with advanced cancer and other severe, life-limiting chronic illnesses. Beyond physical care, the Center also offers essential psychological support to patients and their families, ensuring a holistic approach to treatment and quality of life.
A key component of the Center for Palliative Care and Pain Therapy at the University Clinical Center Tuzla is Day Palliative Care. This service is physically separated from the inpatient (bedridden) unit and is specifically designed for patients who have completed the oncological phase of their treatment.
According to Mersiha Hasanović, Head Nurse of the Center and a graduate nurse, patients attending the Day Palliative Care program have access to a wide range of services including chronic pain management, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychosocial rehabilitation, as well as opportunities for education and social interaction.
“Patients who attend our center can talk, socialize, enjoy a cup of coffee, and are provided with lunch. Most importantly, they always have someone available to talk to about their health concerns, receive a prompt check-up, and get appropriate advice,” explained Nurse Hasanović.
Mina Mujanović, a patient at the Center, shared her personal experience. She arrived at the Day Palliative Care facility accompanied by a friend who is also undergoing cancer treatment. Mina recalled the emotional toll she faced upon receiving her diagnosis, and how she found vital support through the Center:
“When I first learned about my illness, I was overwhelmed mentally. It was hard to accept. But a friend recommended the Palliative Care Center, and with the care and understanding of the doctors and medical staff, I managed to overcome that initial fear. Now I am the one encouraging others to come here,” she said.
“This place helped me conquer both fear and illness. What we have here is truly half the cure. We talk, share experiences, and support each other. The early stages, when you’re told you’re sick, facing surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation are extremely stressful. But the staff here truly understand what patients are going through and know how to provide the support we need. That makes a tremendous difference,” Mina emphasized.
