Our #HospiceVisits this week finds us at FWC Hospice in Gauteng. Since 1991, they have been making positive and impacting changes through active community outreach and participation in the Hurst Hill community.
Today we have the privilege of meeting the nursing services manager, Abie Masiela.
Background
Born in Polokwane, Abie decided to look for employment after finishing school. At this point in his life, not knowing what career path he would be following one day, he found himself at a local hospital where he underwent an interview and got a job doing general work. He was then given an opportunity to pursue into the nursing career path and grabbed this with both hands. This included in-house training for both community nursing and psychiatric nursing respectively.
While doing his in service training at a local psychiatric hospital, the CEO saw the potential in him and offered him a position to become a hospital manager. This was a really exciting opportunity for him but because he did not have any management experience, he could not fulfil this role. This disappointment gave Abie the motivation to push himself further which resulted him in doing a management course through UNISA.
Engagement with FWC Hospice
Abie’s career flourished with success which led him to retiring at the age of 65 where he enjoyed playing golf and reading novels. It was at this point that FWC hospice needed a nursing service manager for 1 week and approached him which he gladly accepted and 4 years – he is still there! He really enjoys what he does and some of his roles as the nursing services manager includes human resources, policy making and basic patient criterial admissions.
Patient Referrals
“99% of our patients are referred by local hospitals. They are already seen by doctors and social workers within these facilities and depending on their condition, are referred to us. Once these patients are accepted to our facilities, families are given an opportunity to have a glimpse of the facility” he added. FWC currently has an 18 bed IPU facility and can accommodate up to 50 patients.
Challenges
One of the biggest challenges is moving patients around especially when they are frail. Having a part time doctor has also been a real challenge as there are certain decisions that can be only made by a doctor.
Highlights
One of the biggest highlights for me is seeing patients progress opposed to when they arrived to the facility in a frail condition.
I really love what I am dong and it doesn’t seem as if I will be retiring “again” any time soon.
To find out more about FWC Hospice, click here