The research concentrated on Stellenbosch Hospice’s role in areas such as community development, whole community organisation and active citizenship, social cohesion in Stellenbosch, the healthcare system of South Africa and palliative care in South Africa.

The study recognised Stellenbosch Hospice as having an important and integral position in the larger South African healthcare system and was described as providing a “distinct class of specialised medical care that fills a void for affordable quality medical services in a country where private-sector based healthcare is dominant”.

The findings also revealed the critical importance of Hospices’ services including the community healthcare program, which uplifts the community from a medical and holistic perspective by ensuring a greater quality of life for patients and their families thereby leading to community development. It is hoped that the findings of the study will highlight the importance of Hospice services around the country and recognise the integral part of these services as part of a broader South African health care service strategy.

Attached is a picture of Stellenbosch Hospice Community Health Care workers celebrating Mandela Day by giving back to the local community. This initiative served to inform and educate members the public on health related matters and also provide them with a special treat for the day.