For the past three decades, Wendy Hitchings has been a key figure within the clinical and administrative sector.

In 2020, after losing her father to pancreatic cancer a mere 10 weeks following diagnosis, Wendy became part of East Rand Palliative Care (ERPC), formerly known as Hospice East Rand.

Despite her experience within the medical field and knowledge of how palliative care impacts the lives of patients and their families, a shock leukaemia diagnosis in 2024 left Wendy facing the harsh reality of a life-threatening and limiting disease.

“Undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation not only affects your body. You witness how loved ones grapple with the added responsibility of physically and emotionally supporting you,” she said.

“While you will fight for survival, you are consumed with guilt of the additional pressure a diagnosis has placed on your support system.”

In 2025, Wendy officially entered remission, but her chemo port becoming infected put her recovery at risk, landing her in hospital from March to June, her body this time fighting septicaemia and organ failure.

Driven by the dream of establishing an in-patient palliative care and respite centre, Wendy officially opened the Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC) accredited Ubunye Care Centre in Northmead in July.

“The holistic home-based care that ERPC offers is invaluable, with its programme supporting both patients and families from diagnosis,” she said.

“Being on the receiving end of care, I, however, realised that primary caregiver burnout is very real and that there continues to be a need for in-patient care.

“Sadly, when a loved one becomes ill or has to undergo physically taxing treatment, loved ones who step into caregiving roles still have daily responsibilities such as work, household errands or other familial commitments.

“Due to these commitments, caregivers may experience feelings of guilt, or may isolate themselves in an effort to be at the patient’s side as much as possible,” she said.

“The centre now serves as a space for respite. It is purpose-built to offer daytime, temporary and end-of-life care, under the supervision of trained medical personnel, a dedicated social worker and staff who strive to ensure the patient’s care and comfort.”

With nine beds, the Ubunye Care Centre offers respite services where patients can spend a night or even a weekend in the care of trained palliative care professionals.

“Symptom and pain management, along with prescribed medications, are administered under constant supervision, in a space which has been designed to feel warm, comfortable and homely. This offers peace of mind to caregivers that their loved ones are in safe hands while they enjoy some much-needed rest,” said Wendy.

“Our daytime care services are available to patients whose caregivers need to attend to errands or continue working. We have a structured, interactive programme that allows visitors to engage in various activities, creating a diversion from the constant reminder of the disease.

“These activities add quality to their lives while rest areas are available if needed.”

Diligently prepared home-cooked meals further add a comforting layer of care.

Through its holistic palliative care programme, the centre also provides end-of-life care, with private rooms allowing families to stay with their loved ones during their final moments.

“During this time, our medical team will ensure the patient is comfortable while our social workers offer support and guidance to their families,” she said.

Throughout the design of the centre, Wendy said her journey to recovery played an integral role not only in the facility’s practicality and functionality, but also in creating a space where memories can be made and final farewells can be said in a warm, comforting environment.

As an APCC-accredited centre, its services may be covered by most major medical aids. At the same time, its registration as a Non-profit organisation (NPO) opens its doors to private patients who may benefit from fundraising efforts.

“Palliative care should be available to those in need and I hope that our centre can play a role in assisting those facing life-threatening diseases with comfort and care.

Journeying through palliative care

In celebration of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on October 10, Ubunye Care Centre will host a free seminar focusing on pain management, an essential part of palliative care.

Sister Rolien Hall will take to the podium from 10:00 to 11:00 to discuss pain management, morphine myths, and holistic approaches to pain relief.

From 11:15 to 12:15, social worker Adré Starbuck will discuss the psychosocial role in emotional support as well as coping with emotional distress.

Registration will take place from 09:30.

For more information, contact the centre on 069 023 3467, email info@ubunyecare.co.za or join the discussion at 79 Fourth Avenue, Northmead.

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