“To be pain free is your Human Right,” says the Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa. This week, 76 hospices across the country are uniting to promote the right of all South Africans to be free of pain. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the services hospices offer to people living with life-limiting illnesses.
The campaign forms part of Hospice Week, from 4-11 May 2008.
It is being coordinated by the Hospice Palliative Care Association (HPCA). HPCA’s Advocacy Manager, Zodwa Sithole. says that many people think of hospice as a place where people go to die in peace. But hospice is really for the living – those with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones. And these days, while some hospices still have in-patient units, hospices focus on providing home-based care.
Hospices specialise in palliative care – a specific type of care that aims to improve the quality of a seriously ill person’s life and to support that person and their family during and after treatment. Palliative Care is for anyone who has a life-limiting condition -- regardless of age, gender, or race. Most hospices offer this care by sending trained care-givers out to visit patients in their homes.
They also provide day care, support groups and in some cases, in-patient units. “Almost everybody fears suffering pain and being alone,” says Sithole, “but there is no need to suffer when you can access care through a hospice in your local community.” HPCA is an umbrella body representing 76 member hospices across the country.
HPCA is responsible for further development of the work of hospices in South Africa, as well as ensuring that member hospices adhere to strict standards in palliative care. During Hospice Week, member hospices will be holding open days and will visit local schools, clinics and churches to give talks about the work they do. To find out more about palliative care and how to contact your local hospice
Contact Information
www.hospicepalliativecaresa.co.za
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Jenny Mills - 21 531 0277
Zodwa Sithole - 084-498-958.
