After losing her stepson to testicular cancer, Andrea Nazam, a powerhouse entrepreneur within the medical industry, developed a growing passion for palliative care and being of service to those facing life-threatening and life-limiting diseases.

Extending a helping hand to the FWC Hospice & Care Centre, in Johannesburg, the newly appointed general manager of East Rand Palliative Care (ERPC), became increasingly aware of the strength and dedication with which caregivers offer empathetic care to their patients.

“Despite my corporate background, my inherent drive to serve others is unrelenting,” she said, taking her seat at the helm of the organisation.

“As a child of God, I believe that you are divinely steered to places where you can make a difference in the lives of others. When I was recruited for an interview with the ERPC board, I became excited with what plans the Lord has for me.”

Welcoming Andrea to the organisation, ERPC chairman Con Roux said that her appointment perfectly coincides with the home-based care organisation’s 40th anniversary.

“From the onset she expressed a deep-seated passion for palliative care. We believe that her extensive experience within the medical industry and leadership will usher the organisation into an exciting new chapter, where we can further increase our footprint in offering specialist care to those in need,” he said.

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Becoming part of ERPC during the same year that it celebrates four decades of care, Andrea said that her primary focus will centre around abolishing the stigma surrounding palliative care and to create further awareness about its wide range of expert driven services.

“Working in seamless harmony, the ERPC’s specialist team is committed to offering guidance and support to those on our registered network, from the moment of diagnosis,” she said.

“Driven by empathy our team holds patient care it at the highest regard offering symptom management, psychological guidance and support for friends and family.”

During tenure, Andrea aims to further strengthen ERPC’s operations throughout medical spheres, garner sustainable stakeholder support while creating a unified team at all levels.

“As I start my journey, I want to thank my new family for welcoming me with open arms. Together we will embark on this new journey remaining true to values and ethos of the organisation, growing stronger every day,” she said.

For more information about ERPC, its services and how you can get involved go to www.erpc.org.za or call 011 422 1531.

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