Stavros Niarchos Hostel, Heraklion

Thanks to Bob Wright for providing this report

“The Stavros Niarchos hostel was built by the foundation of the shipping magnate, to provide accommodation for patients and relatives undergoing treatment at the Heraklion University Hospital. It opened in 2004 in the grounds of the hospital, and has 28 spacious double rooms, most with their own shower and toilet, though several rooms share one. On both floors there is a self catering kitchen, with cooker and fridge/freezer, and there is a microwave on the ground floor. There are adjacent dining areas and lounges on both floors with comfortable settees. The whole hostel is beautifully and tastefully decorated in a restful combination of sand and pale blue colours.

Prior to the start of my wife’s radiotherapy treatment, we visited the social services department of the hospital which is located close to the Red Cross desk by the outpatients entrance, before the main hospital entrance. A very helpful lady who spoke good English explained to us that it was not possible to make reservations in advance as the hostel has to respond to fluctuating demands. However she advised us to get a copy of our last year’s Greek tax declaration, which shows both of our imported pension incomes. As this was below 20,000 euros per annum, we could then stay at the hotel free of charge. On the day when her treatment was due to start, the department of radiotherapy issued us with a paper, which we took to the hostel warden. Over the ten week period of daily treatment, interrupted by strikes, and national holidays and service days for the x-ray machines, we were able to leave our possessions in the room when we returned to Rethymno for the weekend. Each morning we came out of the hostel to be greeted by an island of lavender, rosemary and other herbs, and it was then just a few minutes stroll down to the hospital. This gave us peace and rest compared with a hectic daily commute.

The hostel is also available for short term use, when a relative is taken in for emergency treatment. The current charge is 10 euros per night for a patient and 15 for a relative. You will need to get a paper from the hospital department explaining your need to stay.

The hostel kindly provides a change of sheets, towels and pillow cases which can be collected from the warden on a Monday, though we also brought our own large towels. It is a good idea to bring your own plates, mugs cutlery and small frying pan and saucepan which can be stored in a kitchen cupboard, along with tins of food.

We are deeply grateful to the foundation and the wardens for the kindness and help we received. The wardens speak very little English, and it is only fair to point out that very few of the other residents do either. Also, if you are by yourself rather than sharing a room with your partner, problems can arise when you room with someone from another culture. However there can be a great community spirit amongst those staying there, especially if you can speak Greek. We hope that this article may help others, but of course you will need to check for yourself how the system is now operating.” Bob and Eveleen Wright, Maroulas Rethymno: bobandev@otenet.gr

Further help and advice can also be obtained from the Cancer Support group run by Chris Parnassus – for details, see below

Cancer Support Group

A Cancer Support Group has been formed for people who have been through or who are undergoing treatment for cancer, as well as for someone who has recently lost someone to cancer. These are the needs of the current group. It is a diverse group for now and different groups can be formed later on an "as needed" basis. This is a support group not a therapy group, and confidentiality is a given. There is no fee. Meetings will be held on the first Monday of every month in Georgioupolis, at the Samaria in the square, from 11 AM - 1 pm. Carpooling available from Rethymnon. Any questions or comments can be directed to Chris - 6977559644 or email cparnassus@hotmail.com

Volunteering in Rethymnon

The Association of Rethymnon Volunteers meets every Tuesday evening at The Centre for Cretan Folk Art. This group brings together a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds who are interested in contributing to the local community. There are many ways in which people of all ages and nationalities can contribute — some of which may not be immediately obvious.

To find out more about volunteering opportunities in the Rethymnon region, contact Manolis Kallergis on 28310 88278. The Association now has its own website (in Greek only): www.ethelo.gr which provides information about the background history and ethos of the organisation, gives profiles of association members and also provides details of up and coming community events.