Khanya Hospice appalled by state of returned equipment
Khanya Hospice loans out medical equipment to patients free of charge, and if the equipment is returned in a bad condition, other patients are negatively affected.
STAFF at Khanya Hospice, who offer free palliative care and generously lend medical equipment to those in need, are shocked at the manner in which people return the items.
Despite the non-governmental organisation’s (NGO) commitment to serving the community at no cost, they have faced incidents of property damage. Most recently, two wheelchairs were returned in unusable conditions, with parts missing or damaged.
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The hospice’s CEO, Neil McDonald, said they have been blessed with new and second-hand equipment that has been donated for them to use.
“We take great care in keeping wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers and so forth sterilised and clean at all times. Some of these items are brand new, and we are very happy that we are able to help whoever needs these items. However, we were shocked when the new wheelchair came back with no tyres. We think whoever took it off thought they could fit them on a bicycle – or who knows. The other one’s seat and armrests are damaged. Disgusting to say the least. We, unfortunately, cannot use that for our patients and have to give it away for recycling,” he said.
As an NGO, hospice relies on the generosity of the community to sustain its operations. McDonald said, “Our services are for free, but it is not free for us to provide. We have to buy whatever we need and use for patients in our nursing care programme.”
Donations of medical equipment, unwanted household items and funds are always appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at their Toti Hospice Shop, located at 400 Andrew Zondo Road, above Two Vikings Fish and Chips. Alternatively, contact Neil McDonald on 083 597 8985 or at hospice@khanyahospice.co.za.
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