Fondazione FARO
Fondazione FARO is an organisation dedicated to palliative care and support for terminally ill patients and their families, operating its own sites in Turin, Carignano, Chivasso, Leinì and Lanzo. The foundation employs over 200 people, including doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants (OSS), psychologists, social workers, and administrative and service staff.[1][2]
The "Faro ha cura" programme
On 11 November 2026, on the National Day of Palliative Care, Fondazione FARO launched "FARO HA CURA" ("Faro takes care"), an internal welfare programme comprising 17 initiatives designed for the wellbeing of staff, open to all employees of every site and contract type.[1][2] The programme grew out of direct listening to staff needs, in a sector marked by staff shortages and a heavy emotional burden: according to a survey by FNOPI, the National Federation of Nursing Professions Boards, conducted with the University of Genoa, around 60% of Italian nurses are at risk of burnout.[1][2]
The programme's five strands
The programme is organised into five areas. For psychological wellbeing, the SOSTA project provides a listening and supervision space run by psychologist Monica Seminara, alongside an autobiographical writing workshop led by Marina Sozzi and, from February to May 2027, a meditation course led by Daniel Lumera, whose effects will be measured by research coordinated by research director Simone Veronese.[1][2]
On health, measures include a guaranteed meal while on duty, a welfare credit for health, a social support desk, access to Casa FARO in case of need, workshops with a nutritionist and, from 2027, a space dedicated to movement before and after shifts.[1] For everyday life, up to 5 paid care days a year are introduced for caring for family members, children under 14 or pets, protections for women who are victims of violence, and greater flexibility on shifts and remote working for six months for parents returning from parental leave.[1] For professional growth, paid leave is provided for healthcare assistants (OSS) studying to become nurses and for those attending master's courses in palliative care, alongside the new FARO Academy and a digital library with a biomedical documentalist. For relationships and rest time, an annual residential experience at Orsolina28 is planned, and the right to disconnect from work communications outside working hours is introduced.[1]
Costs and monitoring
The programme's total economic value is estimated at around 296,000 euros a year, including direct costs, the expansion of staff with two additional healthcare assistants (OSS), the value of paid time and free professional services, in addition to over 90,000 euros already allocated to ordinary training. The programme's effectiveness will be checked every year with an anonymous satisfaction survey and with reports shared with trade union representatives.[1]
Sources
- Arriva «FARO ha cura», un welfare innovativo per proteggere chi assiste i malati terminali — TorinoOggi, 11 November 2026
- FARO HA CURA — Prima Torino, 11 November 2026