TZANEEN – Access to specialised palliative care services has received a major boost with the opening of the Choice Centre of Care in Tzaneen, a new facility aimed at providing compassionate, holistic support to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Tzaneen community marks opening of new facility

The Centre of Care, launched by Choice Trust in partnership with Macadamia Care, is located at Macadamia Village.

To mark the opening of the facility, Choice and Macadamia Care hosted an open day at the Macadamia Frail Care Unit, where community members, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders were invited to tour the centre, view the patient rooms, and learn more about the palliative care services available to patients and their families on Friday, June 26.

Expanding care in the Mopani district

Choice Trust is a local NPO that has been serving communities around Tzaneen since 1997 through a range of health and development programmes focussed on vulnerable households.

Since 2007, the organisation has provided palliative care services, primarily through home-based care for patients referred by the Department of Health.

The organisation is currently the only registered palliative care service provider in the Mopani district.

The newly established centre offers dedicated beds for individuals requiring palliative and supportive care, ensuring that patients who need more intensive symptom management and specialised care can receive treatment closer to home.

Improving quality of life for patients

Speaking at the launch, Choice Trust director Nikki Stuart-Thompson said the organisation remains committed to improving the quality of life of patients and supporting families during difficult times.

“Palliative care is about improving quality of life, providing dignity, and ensuring that patients and families do not walk difficult journeys alone,” she said.

“For many years, we have supported patients within their homes and communities. The launch of the Centre of Care allows us to strengthen and expand this support for people who require more intensive care and symptom management.”

Partnerships behind the project

The organisation also acknowledged the contribution of its partners, supporters and healthcare professionals whose collaboration helped make the project a reality.