Introduction:

What is your name?

Baphiwe Duma

Which hospice do you work for?

South Coast Hospice

What do you do there?

Social Worker

How long have you been there?

13 years

In-depth:

Why did you decide to focus on palliative care?

The quality of service that Hospice offers their patients as well as the value of care aligns with my personal criteria.

What gives you the greatest fulfilment?

Is seeing the impact we make in the community, and seeing the relief of patients when they received relief of suffering and their reaction to their situations improving.

What do you find the most challenging?

The cultural diversity is a challenge, as you have to tailor-make a service in order to accommodate their needs, as well as adapting to each and every individual, their history and their beliefs.

What do you think people find the most challenging about a life-threatening diagnosis?

Understanding their diagnosis, where they are in their diagnosis, what they need to do next and what to expect, as well as opening up to their family members and talking to them about their diagnosis.

What do you think that you personally bring to your job that reflects who you are as a person? 

Dignity, respect and professionalism – you have to respect each and every person by treating them with absolute professionalism which ultimately brings about the patient is cared for with dignity.

How do you take care of your own health and balance?

I make sure I take care of myself spiritually by attending church service twice a week, and take care of my family after work. I make time for self-care.

What is your advice to anyone else wishing to join your profession?

You have to be passionate – this is about the patient and not the reward. This is not merely a job; it is a calling.

What is your advice to anyone given a life-threatening diagnosis?

Live your life to the fullest. Try and come to accepting your diagnosis in order to embrace life.

What is your advice to the loved ones of anyone who is given a life-threatening diagnosis? 

Give this patient unconditional love and support – be with them through everything.

How do your loved ones feel about the work that you do? 

My family thinks I am Super Woman – they are very proud of me.

What do you like the most about the hospice that you work with?

We don’t say no to anything or anyone – we accept patients regardless of status or diagnosis, and every day is a learning opportunity.

Do you have a “motto” that you tend to live by that you would like to share?

Honesty is the best policy.