Hospice White River is not for the dying
This non-profit organisation supports all patients and their family, right through their treatment and therapy - and sometimes recovery.
Manager Debbie Glossop, said they often meet patients who only contact them in their final weeks, which is stressful for the patients as the caregivers do not know them. Hospice also takes a holistic approach to care, providing clinical, psychological, social and spiritual visits.
It is a non-religious organisation, and supports patients and families according to their needs and beliefs. This support for family is also integral in what they do.
“We help them get their wills and financial arrangements in place so that they can stop worrying,” Glossop explained.
“We want them to enjoy life.”
They also support the family if a patient dies. Hospice White River is affiliated to the Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa (HPCA) and their most important aim is quality of life. Nursing service coordinator Sr Elsa Swanepoel, is responsible for the complete Patient Care Programme.
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This includes home visits and visits to hospitals. Hospice White River also rents out medical equipment and has a weekly Wednesday support group for patients and the bereaved.
Get involved
How can you help? Hospice White River is in need of more registered volunteer nurses to help and assist with patient care and weekend duties. Crucially they need volunteers to serve on the fund-raising committee.
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Did you know?
Hospice White River can trace its origins back to October 2000 when the Rotary Club of Klerksdorp challenged the club of White River to support the establishment of a hospice to serve the needs of the community in White River and its surrounding areas.
Volunteers to serve on the board are also needed. Contact them on 013-750-3044 or whiteriverhospice@tiscali.co.za, or visit them at 19 Wildevy Street or hospicewr.co.za.
