Press release
Publication date: 2026-10-21T12:54
Successful Oberbergische Hospice Weeks Positive conclusion after the series of events.
Oberbergischer Kreis. The motto of this year's World Hospice Day (10.10.2026) was: 'As colorful as life. Hospice.' The Oberberg Hospice Weeks started with a kickoff event on September 28, 2026. Invited were representatives of full-time and volunteer staff in hospice and palliative care. In addition to District Administrator Klaus Grootens, Dr. Jorg Nürmberger (Hospice Foundation Oberberg) also welcomed the approximately 100 guests. 'After the last hospice week in 2000, this is a wonderful revival with 18 events spread across the entire district,' said Nürmberger. Alongside a keynote lecture by Sebastian Pietschek (board member of the Hospice and Palliative Care Association NRW) on diversity and attitudes in hospice work, Andrea Gasper (Hospice and Palliative Network Bonn/Rhein-Sieg) explained the importance of well-networked structures. To conclude the kickoff event, aspiring caregivers shared their first interactions with the hospice topic and their motivation to engage in palliative care during a panel discussion.
The Oberberg Hospice Weeks were organized by Nadine Thiele (Health Department of the Oberberg District) and the Hospice and Palliative Network. The network has existed since 1998 and currently consists of 7 outpatient hospice services, 2 specialized outpatient palliative care services, the inpatient hospice and day hospice in Wiehl, the palliative care unit at Waldbröl District Hospital, the Hospice Foundation Oberberg, and the health department. Over 140 people work full-time and over 360 volunteers in hospice care in Oberberg. 'With the action weeks, the Hospice and Palliative Network of the Oberberg District aims to draw attention to the diverse care and support offers for seriously ill, dying, and grieving people, and encourage discussions about the taboo topics of dying, death, and grief,' said Nadine Thiele.
To conclude the three-week series of events, the network, together with the VHS Gummersbach, invited the public to a free screening at the Gummersbach cinema Seven. The romantic drama 'We live in time' focused on the life of Almut and her cancer diagnosis. Following the film, attendees had the opportunity to discuss what they had seen and experienced during a café-style gathering. The approximately 100 visitors were emotionally moved. Finally, attendees had the chance to add their own goals and dreams to a large, shared bucket list.