St Francis Care Centre raises awareness on palliative care
The community was reminded that every person with a disability should have access to palliative care and that palliative care is about living, not dying.
World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, held on October 13, was celebrated and promoted by St Francis Care Centre on October 12 at the East Rand Mall.
St Francis provides palliative care with the goal to improve the quality of life in patients and their families facing problems associated with life-threatening illnesses.
The centre renders such a service through the prevention and relief of suffering, the early identification and assessment and treatment of pain, among other problems.
Holistic support is also provided.
“Creating awareness is important because there are so many misconceptions about palliative care. Statistics show 300 000 to 400 000 people need palliative care in South Africa.
“This is concerning as palliative care is widely available,” said Tilly Brouwer, centre manager.
According to Brouwer, the Department of Health needs to introduce and promote palliative care by setting up care facilities, as well as train nursing staff in hospitals in palliative care specifically.
“Palliative care is not just for terminal patients, it should start from the day of diagnosis to ensure a good quality of life,” said Brouwer.
“Palliative care is holistic as it affects the whole family. Most of the time the family is so focused on the patient that they forget to take care of themselves.”
This year’s theme is “I Matter”.
“It is important to remember the patient, along with the support system and the family involved, all matter.”
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A day of celebrations at St Francis Care Centre
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