PRESS RELEASE

Turin, May 31, 2026

On National Palliative Care Day, INOC—the Candiolo National Oncology Institute—explains how theMonviso Hospice is an institution that challenges the common perception of a hospice as a place where medical intervention takes a back seat. At Hospice Monviso, medicine shifts its focus to embrace a broader vision: humanizing care, alleviating pain without diminishing the person’s vitality, and placing dignity and the quality of the time remaining at the center.

At the hospice built in 2021 with the support of the Allegra Agnelli Foundation for Cancer Research, technology takes a back seat to make way for human presence and quality of life.

Located on the third floor of the Institute, “Monviso” covers 2,500 square meters and was made possible thanks to an investment of approximately 250,000 euros from the Allegra Agnelli Foundation for Cancer Research, and with the significant support of Maestro Ugo Nespolo, who has always been close to Candiolo and donated more than 50 works of art to decorate the rooms and common areas and make them even more welcoming, in addition to designing the logo. The hospice reaffirms the Institute’s commitment to patient care, thereby ensuring medical treatment and psychological well-being for those facing advanced or terminal stages of illness. The name “Monviso” is intended to highlight the strong bond that has always characterized the relationship between the Foundation, the Institute, and the local community, as well as the fact that the skyline of the Piedmontese Alps is clearly visible from its windows.
Thanks to a partnership with the Fondazione Circolo dei Lettori, the hospice also features a small library, available to residents and their loved ones.

The service is part of a context—such as that of Piedmont—where the need for care is on the rise. According to data from the Demos Piemonte portal, in the province of Turin, nearly 27% of the population is over 65 years old. The old-age index has surged to 246.1 (two and a half seniors for every person under 15), an increase of more than 17 points compared to the 2023 ISTAT census. As the population ages, cases of advanced chronic diseases and incurable cancers inevitably increase. When active treatments are no longer appropriate and families are unable to manage home care on their own, the Monviso Hospice becomes that “safe haven” where care continues. “Hospice Monviso is not a place where
gives up: it is a place where medicine shifts its focus,” states Piero Fenu, Medical Director of INOC. “The goal is not a cure, but symptom management and improving quality of life.”

It’s not about fighting relentlessly or extending life in a purely chronological sense, but about filling that time with dignity and meaningful relationships, while reducing suffering. “We’re guided by a simple idea: adding quality to our days, not just days to our lives,” emphasizes Veronica Perlo, Head of Pain Management and Palliative Care.
Located within INOC (15 km from Turin), the hospice is nestled in the natural surroundings of Stupinigi Park. Here, tranquility and privacy are not merely aesthetic choices, but genuine therapeutic tools. The facility features 20 single rooms flooded with natural light and overlooking greenery and the mountains. Each room is equipped with an extra bed for family members and can be personalized with photos, plants, and cherished items. “Every choice stems from the intention of making the patient feel at home,” explains Francesco Bona, Director of the Monviso Hospice.
At the Monviso Hospice, technology is present, but it takes a back seat to make room for human presence. A multidisciplinary team of 7–8 specialists who are always on call (palliative care physicians, nurses, psychologists, physical therapists, spiritual counselors, and social workers) cares not only for the patient but for the entire family, providing psychological support to caregivers that continues even after hospitalization. Thanks to the Candiolo Cares —supported by the Allegra Agnelli Foundation for Cancer Research—the hospice offers complementary services that are scientifically validated therapies designed to reduce anxiety and stress. For example, there is “
” music therapy: a professional works with the patient by listening to songs from the past or improvising to bring out positive emotions. Then there is also Pet Therapy: in collaboration with the Aslan association, contact with trained dogs alleviates the perception of pain. Finally, there is Caring Massage (currently being implemented): moderate-pressure massages performed by experienced nurses, where mindful touch becomes a form of emotional communication and reassurance. All of this is done while keeping the patient alert: medications manage symptoms without “shutting down” the person, allowing them to enjoy the company of their loved ones.

Admission to the Monviso Hospice is completely free of charge, covered by the National Health Service. Admission is granted upon referral by a family doctor or hospital physician. “The first step is a meeting with the patient and their family to really get to know each other, ” concludes Bona. “ “The admission process is quick:
on average, only a few days pass between authorization and admission.” And for those already receiving care in Candiolo, the transition is smooth and natural: we don’t start from scratch; we continue walking together, just in a different direction.