By Mandisa Dlamini (HST Communications Assistant)
Hospice Week in South Africa runs from 5 to 11 May and is a chance to honour the great role that hospice and palliative care services play in the lives of people with terminal and life-threatening illnesses. This week is also a time to bring to light issues related to this care and also to celebrate the professional staff, volunteers and families that put in very long hours to see that our ailing friends and family die with dignity, comfort and care.
What is Hospice Week?
Hospice Week is a yearly event that puts the value of care that is given at the end of a person's life into focus. It brings the very important services that hospices provide, which in turn helps a person to live out their days as fully and comfortably as possible, to the fore.
The Role of Hospices in South Africa
South Africa has a very present and active hospice system at the core of palliative care. Hospice also supports and equips families and caregivers to better handle the issues that come up as a result of care for a loved one in the final stages of life.
During Hospice Week many organisations such as the Association of Palliative Care Centres of South Africa: APCC will host events, workshops and fundraising activities to raise awareness of palliative care. This is a collective effort that brings together healthcare providers, families, caregivers and volunteers, all working toward the same goal to improve the quality of life of those affected by terminal illness. Hospice Week as run by groups like the APCC goes beyond end of life care. It is about the betterment of the quality of life for people with chronic conditions and the relief of pain and distress at any stage of their illness. It also brings issues related to palliative care to the public through encouraging them to make informed health choices, which in turn, ensures that people get the best support available to them. The events also promote improved services and acknowledges the contributions of professionals, who play a vital role in the overall healthcare landscape.
By being a part of these events and by supporting hospice and palliative care we can play a role in the creation of a healthcare system that is compassionate and values dignity and high quality of life for all.
To learn more about Hospice Week and related events, visit the South African Government's official page.
For more information, do go to:
St. Luke's Hospice: www.stlukeshospice.co.za T: +27 (0)21 797 5335
APCC: www.apcc.org.za T: +27 (0)21 203 4062