Tersia Burger
Mentor & Surveyor
What is the value/experience you have/find in mentoring?
In a hospice setting, a mentor plays a critical role in providing guidance, support, and knowledge to less experienced organisations, helping them navigate the unique challenges of working in a non-profit setting. mentoring enhances the quality of care provided to patients and supports the professional and personal growth of staff. By sharing my knowledge of working with medical aids we have managed to improve the sustainability and growth in some hospices. Mentoring plays a pivotal role in fostering a supportive and knowledgeable organisation, ultimately benefiting both the patients and the organization. I love the comradery that I share with the other mentors. Mentorship is as fulfilling as it is demanding
What is your experience in surveying?
I did my COHSASA training in 2017 but only started doing assessments in Gauteng Province in 2019. I originally joined the surveyor training programme because I knew very little about developing policies and the requirements for running a good hospice. My background is in engineering, not health. At the end of the course, I felt quite nervous because it seemed daunting. However, I realized it was very much like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) system that we used in engineering. The day I received my COHSASA surveyor accreditation certificate was probably one of the proudest days of my life. With the DGMT project, I surveyed 12 1–4-star Gauteng hospices on my own and co-surveyed a further 4 with my fellow mentors. It was an incredible learning experience.
In 2023 I did my first COHSASA audit at Breederiver Hospice. Surveying takes a lot of tenacity, perseverance, and yes, skill to do. As custodians of palliative care, it’s our responsibility to ensure that every single patient who passes through our care is provided with consistent, quality care. The Standards protect us; they set limits. The Standards and our star rating distinguish us from every Tom, Dick, and Harry claiming to provide palliative care. Being a COHSASA surveyor is a huge honour and privilege. With every survey that I conduct, I will do so with pride and always keep our patients in mind. I’m proud to be part of an organization that prioritizes excellence and compassion. Our team’s dedication to upholding these standards is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional care to those who need it most.