In March, Hospice East Rand rebranded, braving uncertainty, to become East Rand Palliative Care (ERPC), a home-based palliative care organisation that serves those living with life-altering and life-changing illnesses.

During its 38th AGM, held at its Kemston Avenue offices on October 20, chairperson of the board, Con Roux, congratulated staff, volunteers, and supporters on the smooth transition. He noted that the public is becoming more aware of the benefits of holistic palliative care, making the name change easier.

However, as clouds gathered on a dreary Monday morning, Roux reported that the organisation’s financial reports painted a bleak picture.

“Compared to the 2023/24 financial year, we generated just over R10 million in income, closing the year with a deficit of R279 491,” reported treasurer Dawn Wakerfield.

“During the 2024/25 financial year, we witnessed a downward spiral, closing the year with an income statement of R9 171 464 and a deficit of R596 455. Our income decreased by just over R1m.”

Wakerfield explained that ERPC has seen a substantial decline in donations, including bequests, donations in memory, as well as public and corporate contributions. Income from the organisation’s ten charity shops and bookshop, a key revenue stream, has also dipped, while community nursing fees paid by medical aids have seen a steady increase.

“The pattern is not new, and as a charity organisation, we are not alone,” said Roux.

“The world economy is unstable, and in times of uncertainty, its effects are felt throughout all sectors. Financial uncertainty is nothing new, and we have weathered many storms. Yet we rise every morning believing in the future as we steer forward. We remain committed to providing excellence in quality home-based palliative care. We exist because of the 78 patients in our care, and through the grace of God, we will continue to prevail.”

Roux also welcomed Dr Sinalo Maleho, a general practitioner with a postgraduate diploma in palliative care and a specialisation in paediatrics, to ERPC.

“One of our major challenges in the past year was the high turnover of doctors, with many opting to realign themselves within private palliative care practices,” he said.

“This has led to our service offering becoming nurse-led, which created dissatisfaction among patients and their families, who insist on doctor-led care. ERPC’s patient fee income is heavily dependent on having a qualified palliative care doctor as part of our service offering. We believe that Maleho’s passion and expertise will go a long way in reaffirming our commitment.”

The proceedings concluded with ERPC bidding farewell to two stalwarts: Rev Hamilton Volkwyn, who had served as vice-chair for the past eight years, and Brenda Bisschoff, administration manager for 37 years.

Volkwyn has been redeployed for congressional duties at Bryanston Methodist Church, while Bisschoff will be retiring.

Entering a new year with the burden of several challenges, the incoming board has once again committed to leading ERPC with dignity and confidence.

Support ERPC

For more than four decades, ERPC has provided home-based nursing, counselling, and emotional support to patients and their families across the East Rand, walking beside them from the time of diagnosis.

As an NPO, ERPC relies on community involvement to ensure each patient receives quality care. Every donation, volunteer hour, and purchase from one of the nine charity shops directly supports patient care and outreach programmes.

Here’s how you can help:
• Donate quality, working pre-loved goods to one of the newly rebranded ERPC Charity Shops, or shop to your heart’s content

• Give your time. Volunteer your skills in the charity shops or for year-round ERPC initiatives

• Spare a penny and make a financial donation

• Support one of the organisation’s projects or sponsor patient-care programmes

• Share information about ERPC’s services and projects with family and friends

For more information, to make a donation, or to find your nearest charity shop, visit www.erpc.org.za or contact East Rand Palliative Care on 011 422 1531.

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