Cristina Hospice

Cristina Hospice was opened by Ms Beatriz Montes de Oca in Guadalajara in 2002.³⁸ The hospice is directed by a physician and run by a group of nurses supported by anaesthesiologists, psychologists and priests. Patients are mainly cared for at home. Families are also supported throughout the disease process and taught how to care for their loved ones. Ninety per cent of the hospice patients are advanced cancer patients, and a smaller proportion of patients suffering from other progressive diseases are also cared for by the hospice staff. Most patients are referred by their doctors; some others, by relatives; or patients themselves may request hospice care directly. Funds are obtained through voluntary donations and from a fee charged to those patients who can afford it.³⁹

Isabel Mexico Hospice

This hospice exists in Mexico DF to look after advanced cancer patients as well as patients suffering from other progressive incurable disorders. It provides holistic care to patients and families and bereavement support. Hospice staff provide support to physicians who may request it and educative activities in the community are also conducted. It is a private organization. Although fees are adjusted to patients’ ability to pay, they do have to pay for their care.⁴⁰