G SCHEEPERS, nursing services manager of Gernessa Homecare Services writes:
Gernessa Homecare Services had the pleasure of seeing the article regarding Dean Saunders in Kempton Express.
We are pleased to see the inspirational article highlighting the strength and endurance of Dean, as his story is truly inspirational and we count ourselves privileged to have been a part of this story and to have been there to assist him in our capacity of nursing service provider.
Unfortunately there is information presented as fact in the publication that we feel may be detrimental to the image of Gernessa Homecare Services. Firstly, our plight is not with the family but simply that the company’s name has been mentioned, and as grateful as we are for the publicity, there has been reference in the article to the cost of caring for Dean.
The cost of our nursing to Dean is at a negotiated rate of R8 000 a month and we feel the mentioned rate of R30 000 a month creates the impression that this is the cost of Gernessa’s nursing services.
As mentioned, we are aware that this may be completely unintentional, but the damage to the image of this company with such information in the public domain could negatively influence the image we have been building for the past 10 years. We also noticed that although the other parties involved with assisting Dean were mentioned, as well as the charitable role they played; Gernessa as nursing services provider, our assistance with the transferring of Dean, the three months free service given to the family and the role played in this wonderful initiative, is not mentioned.
We also do not just provide a care worker, as the Saunders family received free clinical visits by a registered nurse to monitor him and ensure that Dean is correctly cared for to ensure he does not return to hospital.
Once again, we are aware that this too may be unintentional, but it is unfortunate considering the efforts this company has taken in the interests of Dean and the family.
