DESIGN A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE
DESIGN A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE
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Who We Are
About SPATE
About SPATE
The Society of Palliative Care, Advocacy, Training and Education (SPATE) is an organization in Sabah founded by Dr. Ng Wan Jun, a palliative care physician and Head of the Palliative Care Unit at Hospital Queen Elizabeth, Kota Kinabalu, dedicated to advancing compassionate, holistic care for patients with life-limiting illnesses in Sabah.
SPATE brings together a dedicated group of healthcare professionals committed to improving the understanding, delivery, and accessibility of palliative care. The society focuses on advocacy, education, and practical training, aiming to build capacity among healthcare providers and raise public awareness about the importance of compassionate, holistic care for patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses.
Our Vision, Mission, and Values
Our Vision, Mission, and Values
Vision
To build a compassionate and knowledgeable community where palliative care is understood, accessible, and delivered with dignity and unity.
Mission
To support public advocacy activities: to increase community awareness and understanding of the important role and benefits of palliative care.
To support training and educational activities for members: to promote continuous professional development and enhance members’ competency in palliative care through workshops, conferences, and course fee subsidies.
To establish and maintain a conducive ward environment in the Palliative Care Unit.
To foster unity among association members through social activities, shared learning, and collaborative initiatives with other organisations.
Values
Values
Compassion
We care with empathy and respect, ensuring comfort and dignity for every patient and family we serve.Excellence in Learning
We commit to continuous education and professional growth to enhance the quality of palliative care.Collaboration
We believe in teamwork, partnership, and shared learning within our association and with the wider community.Integrity and Service
We uphold honesty, accountability, and dedication in all our efforts to create a positive and healing environment.
How are we funded
How are we funded
Our organisation is supported through various means
Each contribution plays a vital role: donations, merchandise sales and sponsorships go directly to patient care, help raise charity funds and allow us to run events and community programmes.
Learn more about how you can support us.
Understanding Palliative Care
What is Palliative Care
What is Palliative Care
“An approach that improves the quality of life for patients and their families facing problems associated with life-limiting illnesses, through the prevention and relief of suffering…and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual.” World Health Organisation (WHO, 2002)
Research has shown that more people are being diagnosed with non-communicable diseases and will require quality, evidence-based care that focusses on managing symptoms and providing psychological and spiritual support. This is the core of the palliative care philosophy.
The Need for Palliative Care
The Need for Palliative Care
Every year, 35 million* people die from chronic life-limiting illnesses. If we include family members and caregivers, the number of people who would benefit from palliative care rises to 100 million*. Of these, less than 8% have access to palliative care. This is due to many factors, including: lack of palliative care policies at national level, lack of trained personnel, lack of funding, and reduced access to medication.
*Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance (WHPCA)
Myths of Palliative Care
Myths of Palliative Care
MYTH #1
MYTH #1
Palliative care means giving up on treatment.
FACT:
Palliative care doesn’t replace treatment — it works alongside it. The goal is to help you live as well as possible, managing pain, symptoms, and stress while continuing your usual medical care. Many patients actually feel stronger and cope better after starting palliative support.
MYTH #2
MYTH #2
Palliative care is only for the last days of life.
FACT:
You don’t have to be dying to receive palliative care. It’s for anyone with a serious illness, at any stage. Starting early can improve both comfort and survival — research even shows people may live longer when palliative care begins sooner.
MYTH #3
MYTH #3
You can only get palliative care in a hospital.
FACT:
Palliative care can happen wherever you are — in hospital, at home, or in the community. Many patients prefer home visits or teleconsultations so they can stay comfortable and close to family.
MYTH #4
MYTH #4
Palliative care is just basic nursing or comfort care.
FACT:
It’s a specialised medical discipline delivered by a team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, counsellors, therapists, social workers, and volunteers — all trained to care for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and families.
MYTH #5
MYTH #5
Palliative care is only for elderly people.
FACT:
Anyone — from infants to older adults — can need palliative care. Children and young adults with cancer, heart or organ failure, or rare diseases also benefit from its compassionate, holistic approach.
MYTH #6
MYTH #6
Families don’t need palliative care — only patients do.
FACT:
Palliative care supports the whole family. It helps loved ones understand the illness, make informed decisions, and cope emotionally during and after the patient’s journey.
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