Introduction:

1. What is your name?
Siphosethu Mntambo

2. Which hospice do you work for?
St Francis Hospice

3. What do you do there?
Care Worker

4. How long have you been there?
3 years

In-depth:

1. Why did you decide to focus on palliative care?
I want to give support to people at any age who are experiencing severe symptoms due to life limiting conditions.

2. What gives you the greatest fulfilment?
I’m able to help people who need care the most.

3. What do you find the most challenging?
The death of a patient.

4. What do you think people find the most challenging about a life-threatening diagnosis?
They know they don’t have enough time to be with their families.

5. What do you think that you personally bring to your job that reflects who you are as a person?
Kindness and the love I have for people.

6. How do you take care of your own health and balance?
Eat healthy and drink lots of water.

7. What is your advice to anyone else wishing to join your profession?
Being a palliative nurse is very good because you help other people.

8. What is your advice to anyone given a life-threatening diagnosis?
You are not alone in the journey God is always with you.

9. What is your advice to the loved ones of anyone who is given a life-threatening diagnosis?
Hang in there I am here for you and God will walk with us in this difficult time.

10. How do your loved ones feel about the work that you do?
They are very happy that I can help others.

11. What do you like the most about the hospice that you work with?
The staff is so nice and God fearing.

12. Do you have a “motto” that you tend to live by that you would like to share?
Every day is a second chance.