Water and electricity woes for hospice
Despite challenges, patient care remains priority.
Non-profit organisations such as South Coast Hospice are also being affected by the irregular water supply and loadshedding.
“We are having a tough time. It has cost us to install a generator but it is only used for essentials such as emergency lights in the in-patient unit. At the same time, we also need air conditioning and fans working. We have a water tank but the community steps up and also brings in bottled water,” said CEO Di van Dyk.
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Currently, the facility has three in-patients.
Mrs van Dyk said that it is a double stress factor for staff, especially with the water issue, as they come to work and there is no water and when they go home it’s the same, up to several days for some.
“On Tuesday, we had a support group of 20 patients who meet in the daycare lounge and then the lights went out. Also, with the loadshedding, the alarm system is affected and the security company responds and we are charged for a call-out. Everyone is experiencing difficulties,” she said.
In spite of the challenges, patient care remains hospice’s priority, she added.
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