SUCCESS IN THE CLINICAL FIELD
We feel that there has been an impactful achievement in empowering families to take an active role in caring for their loved ones. Many families feel uncertain and distant, unsure how to help take care of the sick, but through education and encouragement provided by our nurses and caregivers, families have become more involved and confident in supporting their loved ones at home.

1. What are the obstacles that you may have had to overcome to achieve these?

Our Municipality covers a large geographical area, but due to financial constraints we are unable to reach all those in need, especially patients in remote locations.

2. What would you still like to achieve?

We hope to establish a functional Cancer support group to provide both emotional and practical support to patients and Family (similar to day care).

3. What assistance would assist you in achieving this?

Funding/Donations.

DECLINE IN TREATMENT DEFAULTING
Education, counselling and family support have played a key role in ensuring that patients understand the importance of adherence. As a result, we have seen a decline in treatment defaulting, improving patient health outcomes.

1. What are the obstacles that you may have had to overcome to achieve these?

• There is still a reluctance amongst patients to take morphine due to fear of prolonged sleep (sedation) and even death. Also, Morphine is not readily prescribed by doctors and not always available in the pharmacies.
• Continued education is needed to address these concerns.

2. What would you still like to achieve?

• We have started the self-evaluation process, working towards accreditation.

PARTNERING WITH THE LOCAL HOSPITAL
We have partnered with the Rehab department from the local hospital. The physiotherapist students who come for practical training are sent to us to do home visits for physio with some of our patients. We also have a morning session for Palliative Care principles and awareness. Bedridden patients have gained mobility and an improved quality of life through targeted physio sessions..

1. What are the obstacles that you may have had to overcome to achieve these?

Referrals from DOH are few and far in between, but we are working on more awareness with the hospital and clinics in our area.

2. What would you still like to achieve?

Our computers are very old and do not support the latest technology and software. Adding to this, the talks of HDMS being outdated and maybe being replaced at some time puts us in a position to look at upgrades and maybe replace systems with new paperless data capturing. Staff training on the new system would be essential

3. What assistance would assist you in achieving this?

Funding/Donations.

SUCCESS WITH IPC TRAINING
We have done regular training for Introduction to Palliative Care for Professionals and Caregivers for DOH staff. (SLA with DOH for this) This training is always well received. We train on average 15 candidates per quarter.

1. What are the obstacles that you may have had to overcome to achieve these?

Referrals from DOH are few and far in between, but we are working on more awareness with the hospital and clinics in our area.

SUSTAINABILITY, EVEN IN DIFFICULT ECONOMIC TIMES
We are fortunate to be partnered with DOH and get a subsidy from them. We have excellent fundraising activities throughout the year. Our Charity shop keeps us going and the community is very supportive with donations to sell. Our 6 volunteers work very well in running the shop.