Association of Palliative Care Facilities has passion for compassion

Hospice Week runs from May 5 to 11 and is celebrated annually to highlight the importance of palliative care in healthcare.

In SA, the Association of Palliative Care Facilities (APCC) represents 20 palliative care facilities in Gauteng and 91 nationwide, many of which refer to themselves as hospices.

In 2023, all of these members cared for 38 228 people. From this, 16 327 (41%) were patients, and 21 901 (59%) were patient household members or loved ones. The predominant diagnosis of patients was HIV/Aids (37%), followed by cancer (25%), chronic illness (23%), Covid (12%), and TB (3%). Some patients had more than one diagnosis.

“All our members adhere to the Standards for Palliative Healthcare Services,” said Dr Ewa Skowronska, the APCC CEO.

“The APCC is the only organisation in SA that has developed accredited Standards for Palliative Healthcare Services, which are services that support the thousands of patients cared for nationwide and their loved ones, too.

Since the National Policy Framework and Strategy for Palliative Care was released, unaccredited service providers have mushroomed. Our members are accredited and constantly work to improve their accreditation statuses with our mentors.”

To support members in gaining their accreditation, the APCC established a mentorship programme. The mentors (also members), take new members through the policies, procedures and protocols necessary to gain membership to the APCC. One star is the entry accreditation level. The mentors then guide the members through the other four levels. In 2023 and early 2024, 14 of the 20 member hospices in Gauteng increased their star level by one addition.

“We appreciate the time spent with us to create a better understanding and a better hospice for all our staff and patients and families,” said Marius Bester, the management co-ordinator at Centurion Hospice.
“We understand the importance of the standards and working towards becoming better in the future of Centurion Hospice.”

“When mentoring members in a hospice setting, it enhances the quality of care provided to patients and supports the professional and personal growth of staff,” said Tersia Burger, the APCC deputy chairperson, chairperson of Gauteng and CEO of Stepping Stones Hospice in Alberton.

“By sharing my knowledge of working with medical aids, we improved the sustainability and growth of a number of the members.

“We are thrilled to have achieved our APCC five-star accreditation and look forward to our Council for Health Service Accreditation of Southern Africa (COHSASA) audit in July 2024. It was a quantum leap going from a four-star to a five-star. We were grateful to Warren Oxford-Hugget and Hilary Grey for walking us through the process,” said Tersia.

“Every day, every new patient, every new policy that needs to be developed is a big learning curve for each of us,” said Ilse Haasbroek, the general manager at the Residentia Life Palliative Care Unit in Pretoria.

“The literature from APCC makes things clearer and more understandable. It is a privilege to learn from the best.”
“This is one of the systems we have in place to assist us in improving the quality of our service on an ongoing basis to address risk management issues and ensure the hospice is accountable to its beneficiaries, donors/funders and all relevant stakeholders,” noted Shonisani Netshikweta, the general manager at Leratong Hospice, Atteridgeville, Pretoria.

“The APCC brings a wealth of expertise and experience. Their guidance has helped us navigate complex challenges, providing insights and best practices we can apply directly to our work. We have related to a vast network of professionals through the industry body. These connections have opened doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and resources that have enhanced our day-to-day operations.

“The patient stories received from APCC members support the excellence of the service received,” said Evelyn Makanda, general manager of Lambano Sanctuary in Germiston.

“Palliative care is the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual care provided to persons living with a life-threatening illness,” said Skowronska.

“Care is offered from the point of diagnosis and extends to bereavement support if needed. Palliative care is an international human right for all persons living with a life-threatening illness. We are honoured to work with our members to continue ensuring we provide quality palliative care to all in SA. With care beyond service.”

About the Standards for Palliative Healthcare Services

The APCC standards are approved by COHSASA and the International Society for Quality Health Care (ISQua) and are updated every four years.

The fourth edition of the standards is available free of charge to members and at a fee to anyone else. Email amanda@apcc.org.za to receive a free copy or email buystandards@apcc.org.za for fee details.

About the APCC

Previously known as the Hospice Palliative Care Association (HPCA), the APCC is a registered NPO in SA. Founded in 1987, the (now) APCC is a member organisation for palliative care service providers, many of whom refer to themselves as hospices.

As a national charity, the association champions and supports 91 member organisations that provide palliative care services to approximately 40 000 people annually. APCC’s members are located across SA and care for patients with various life-threatening conditions, predominantly in the comfort of their own homes.

About palliative care

Palliative care is the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual care provided by an interdisciplinary team of experts to anyone with a life-threatening illness and their loved ones. Care is offered from the point of diagnosis and extends to bereavement support if needed.

APCC members typically have a team that includes a medical doctor, professional nurse, social worker, counsellor, and home-based carers.

All staff are trained in palliative care, ensuring patients’ quality of life and preventing and relieving unnecessary suffering.