The APCC leadership team tours Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape
The APCC CEO, Motlalentoa, Interim Chairperson, Tersia and Accreditation Manager, Warren, were able to spend a few days in November visiting sites in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
Despite the very long distances involved, it was great to see such a diverse range of organisations – all characterised by both innovation and stability.
On the drive from White River to Tzaneen, we were commenting on the vast areas of the Eastern parts of the country that do not have access to a palliative care service. There is a clear need to expand the availability of palliative care in this part of our country.
Nelspruit Hospice: Landi, Tersia and Motlalentoa
Hospice White River: Sr. Elsa, Angelique, Daniel, Motlalentoa, Terran Gericke, Tersia.
Nelspruit Hospice and Hospice White River
In Mpumalanga we were able to spend some time at Nelspruit Hospice and Hospice White River.
Two different organisations, both providing quality care to those who need it. The two communities differ, and the way their members engage with their respective communities reflects these differences. Neither organisation has a large staff complement and relies on dedicated and committed staff, with extensive volunteer involvement.
CHoiCe Trust
In Tzaneen, we spent time with CHoiCe Trust and were able to reflect on the value of having diverse programmes that support one another. In a climate where raising funds for palliative care is very difficult, being able to have programmes that are complementary can help support the provision of palliative care services.
Lim-Carewell
On our final day in Limpopo, we were able to spend some time at Lim-Carewell, a palliative IPU in Polokwane. Lim-Carewell has recently submitted their organisational self-assessment (outcome not available at the time of writing this report). This is an 8-bed IPU that caters to people from around Limpopo. There is a great deal of enthusiasm and creativity in their approach to the care they provide. This is a reasonably small site providing focused care to those who need it.
Camdeboo Hospice
Warren was able to visit Camdeboo Hospice while attending the sponsored training in Graaf-Reinet. Camdeboo has a small home-based care programme and is well supported by the Eastern Cape Department of Health. Once again, there are large areas between Port Elizabeth and Graaf-Reinet that do not have access to palliative care. Camdeboo provide resource development to other NPO’s within the town and enjoy good relationships with SASSA and the local social development office. They are working with Social Development on a school programme which complements their palliative care programme. This Social Development programme is coming to an end soon.
CHoiCe Trust: Motlalentoa, Nikki, Tersia and Warren
Camdeboo Hospice: Louise, Susan, Mphumi and Wendy
