Cancer care in Greece is highly centralized, with most
specialized treatments, particularly radiotherapy, available only in
major urban centres. This creates a significant barrier for patients
living in rural or remote areas, who must relocate temporarily to access
essential services. In the absence of public support for accommodation
or travel, the resulting financial and emotional strain on patients and
their families can be considerable. Limited infrastructure, inadequate
transportation options and a lack of economic assistance further
exacerbate health inequalities, undermine treatment adherence, and
negatively affect quality of life and recovery outcomes. These barriers
may also contribute to poorer disease trajectories for patients in
underserved areas.
To
address this gap, the Hellenic Cancer Federation (ELLOK) launched an
initiative providing temporary housing for patients and a companion, who
are forced to move from remote areas of the country to large urban
centres in Athens, Thessaloniki or Patras for their treatment. The fully
equipped apartments, located near treatment centres, are offered at no
cost to those most in need. Eligibility is determined based on treatment
duration (10 days or more) and documented social or financial hardship.
Priority is given according to needs and availability.
Launched
in June 2020, the programme was implemented through a public–private
partnership that brought together the patient advocacy experience of the
Hellenic Cancer Federation (ELLOK), the property management expertise
of Piraeus Real Estate S.A., and the institutional backing of the
Ministry of Health. The initiative adopted a structured, needs-based
approach, ensuring equitable access regardless of geographic or economic
status. Explicitly, a trained social worker was responsible for
receiving hospitality requests, evaluating the needs of applicants,
informing them about the process and collecting the necessary paperwork.
The social worker was also in close contact with the programme’s
beneficiaries to provide support and collect their feedback.
Enablers:
A number of key enablers contributed to the successful implementation
of the programme. For one, the strong partnership between ELLOK, Piraeus
Real Estate S.A. and the Ministry of Health provided a solid
foundation, combining expertise in patient advocacy, property management
and institutional oversight (Governance). Additionally, the
programme’s clear, needs-based criteria allowed for targeted support,
ensuring that resources were directed toward cancer patients who faced
the greatest challenges, particularly those requiring long-term stays
and those in severe financial distress (Resources). Notably,
the programme’s flexibility, for example, by adapting procedures to
simplify access for patients and caregivers, helped reduce
administrative burdens and improve the user experience (Service delivery).
Additionally, the establishment of a broader support network through
collaboration with other organizations made it possible to address needs
beyond accommodation, creating a more holistic model of care.
Barriers:
Despite its successes, the programme faced several limitations. A
primary challenge was the limited capacity of available apartments,
which sometimes restricted the number of patients who could benefit (Resources).
Geographic reach also posed a challenge, as the initiative was
restricted to three major cities, potentially excluding patients seeking
care elsewhere. In some cases, a lack of awareness about the programme
or difficulties navigating the application process may have prevented
eligible individuals from accessing the service. Finally, sustainability
concerns remain, particularly regarding long-term funding and potential
programme expansion.
While
the core objective remained unchanged, several adjustments were made to
streamline the implementation. For example, a simplified digital
application process was introduced in 2021, which reduced the
administrative burden on patients and enabled quicker responses to
urgent housing needs. Additionally, eligibility criteria were broadened
to include more cancer types and treatment scenarios. To respond to
challenges beyond accommodation, a network of additional organizations
was contacted, including non-profit organizations specializing in
psychosocial support, legal counselling and patient advocacy. Notable
partners included the social services of hospitals and municipalities,
as well as the members of ELLOK, consisting of 50 cancer patient
associations. Together, they contributed to a more holistic care model,
enhancing patients’ overall well-being and quality of life during
treatment.
Since
its launch in June 2020, the number of beneficiaries has increased
steadily. Annual uptake rose from 155 beneficiaries in 2020 to 298 in
2024. In total, over 1250 individuals have received support throughout
the programme. Data on patient needs and feedback are collected through
regular contact with the beneficiaries, and help tailor the programme
more closely to patient needs. The feedback process revealed a need for
additional housing capacity in Athens. ELLOK is working to address this
challenge, although securing additional accommodations in the capital
has proven especially difficult due to the acute housing shortage.
Lessons learned: The
accommodation programme aims at advancing equity in cancer care in
Greece by mitigating the geographic and financial barriers that rural
patients face when accessing specialized treatment. By offering free
housing near treatment centres and including a companion in the support
package, the initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to
people-centred care and acknowledges both the emotional and practical
needs of patients undergoing cancer therapy.
Several
key lessons emerged from its implementation. Foremost among them was
the value of adaptability. Although the core goals and structure of the
programme remained consistent with the initial plan, adjustments to the
implementation process, such as simplifying access procedures and
creating a network of partner organizations, proved crucial. In
retrospect, earlier engagement with a wider network of organizations and
stakeholders could have accelerated the delivery of holistic support
and reduced barriers to access. Additionally, expanding geographic
coverage and increasing proactive outreach in rural areas could have
further enhanced the programme’s reach and overall impact. Promotion
efforts have primarily relied on ELLOK’s website and social media
channels, its member organizations in rural and island regions, and
collaboration with social services in oncology hospitals. Establishing
strong communication channels between healthcare providers, patient
advocacy groups and social service organizations proved essential in
advancing the initiative, ensuring that patients were well-informed and
supported throughout their treatment journey. Sustained collaboration
and investment will be vital to maintaining and potentially expanding
the programme to serve a broader population across Greece.
For more information
Hellenic Cancer Federation – ELLOK: Free Hospitality for Cancer Care (https://ellok.org/portfolio/programma-filoxenias-asthenon-me-karkino-kai-ton-synodon-tous)
Contact
For further details on this case study, please reach out to obs-pace@obs.who.int.
