As part of my Social Work studies at the University of Malta, I completed my final placement at Hospice Malta. My first placement had focused on homelessness and addiction, therefore I wanted to broaden my experience by working in a different setting. I chose Hospice Malta because I wanted to challenge myself professionally and gain a better understanding of how social workers support individuals and families facing serious illness and end-of-life situations.

In my placement, I was welcomed into a supportive environment where teamwork and collaboration were highly valued. One aspect that stood out to me was the strong multidisciplinary approach. Professionals from different disciplines regularly discussed cases together to ensure that service users received the most appropriate support. I also experienced first-hand the support provided to students. Through supervision and daily guidance, the social workers helped me reflect on my experiences, process my feelings, and develop my professional skills and confidence.

The placement introduced me to the holistic approach of palliative care, where attention is given not only to the physical needs of the individual, but also to their psychological, social, and spiritual wellbeing. I learned that even small interventions can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Whether through providing equipment, offering practical support, assisting with applications, or simply spending time listening, every action contributes to helping service users and their families feel supported and cared for.

The service users and families I met taught me many valuable lessons. I learned that people respond to illness in different ways. Some continue to face challenges with remarkable strength, while others experience fear and uncertainty about the future. Regardless of their circumstances, every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. I also came to appreciate the important role that relatives and carers play in supporting their loved ones throughout their journey.

As I came to end my placement, one of the most important lessons I will take with me is the importance of being present with people, even during the most difficult moments of their lives. Throughout this placement, I learned that every person remains important and deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and care. I also came to appreciate how even small actions can make a meaningful difference to the wellbeing of service users and their families. Hospice Malta has given me a deeper understanding of palliative care and the role of the social worker within this setting, experiences that will continue to influence my future practice.