Hospice team perseveres despite challenging year
Overall hospice's operating income for the year was R4 753 790 while the operating expenses were R5 150 070.
The challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns was the recurring theme as speakers took to the podium at South Coast Hospice’s AGM last Thursday.
Chairman Dave Boyd described the past year as one of the most difficult in the history of the organisation. “The impact of lockdown at various levels presented enormous challenges affecting all operational aspects, including our ability to stage fundraising events.”
He said having budgeted for a loss in excess of R2-million for the year, the R331 000 final loss represented a remarkable achievement.
Overall hospice’s operating income for the year was R4 753 790 while the operating expenses were R5 150 070.
According to Mr Boyd, going forward cash resources will enable hospice to continue its operations.
In her report, CEO Diane van Dyk said that “we realised that we were entering unchartered waters, but little did we know exactly what we heading into”.
For smooth sailing, hospice cut many costs in an already restricted budget and the staff took a reduction in salaries.
“The Covid pandemic brought about some incredible challenges. However, this hospice team showed their true strength through their ability to change and adapt to meet commitments we had made to the vulnerable in our community,” said Diane.
Through the year, the inpatient unit remained open under strict Covid protocols; two extra beds were made available and utilised as a quarantine space, so that people coming into the unit were Covid-free; and hospice kept in contact with all patients on its programme by a visit, phone call, WhatsApp or Facetime.
Of concern was fundraising, as large events could not be organised. “We became totally reliant on the income from the charity shop and endeavours through virtual events, social networking and marketing were a hit or miss. We managed to put together a virtual tree of light which was very successful, added Diane.
She also described the past year as a period of great stress, grief and trauma for many people. “Through our psychosocial team, we provided comfort to many, including our own staff.”
Diane thanked medical director Dr Hilton Horsley who stepped in after the death of Dr Gerald Baldry; the board members for their guidance; to the generous South Coast Hospice community including volunteers who through their understanding of services provided have continued in a supporting role.
Keynote speaker Barbara Hall spoke about her long association with hospice. “Life gives you choices – straight or zigzag. When I was 53, I had a straight vision, then within three months my husband died. A few weeks before my good friend Joan Hudson said that I should get in touch with hospice and my life changed,” said Barbara.
She said over the years, she learnt how to share feelings, emotions and grief. “I would go into homes with a partner to give a bed bath or sit and hold vigil with a patient, until their last breath. We were known as the ladies in blue.”
According to Barbara, every community needed a hospice and better still and inpatient unit. She also spoke about fundraising and the generosity of the community and businesses. More than three decades later, and at the age of 88, she still volunteers at hospice.
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