Hospices offer compassionate care for people with terminal illnesses who are approaching the end of their lives. They also provide support for the family members of all those receiving palliative care, as well as psycho-social support for both the patients and their loved ones.

Hospice, as it is known today, is largely based on the principles put forward by Dame Cecily Saunders, who is considered the originator of modern hospice care. Saunders had noted, in her time as a nurse, how patients appeared to be abandoned by doctors when it came to the end of their lives.

After furthering her education and qualifying as a doctor, Saunders established what was to be known as the first modern hospice in 1967: St Christophers, south of London. Her work placed palliative care on the map, changing the way pain management and psychological issues relating to terminal illness, were handled.

Established in 1979, HospiceWits is no exception as it seeks to bring compassionate, dignified and respectful care to those who are approaching the end of their lives, as well as their families, in the communities of Johannesburg, Soweto and surrounding areas,

Hospices are not government funded and are totally reliant on donations from grant-makers, corporates and members of the public. HospiceWits has ongoing and diverse fundraising initiatives and campaigns that highlight the needs of patients requiring end-of-life care.  This also includes three Charity Shops situated in Orange Grove, Kensington and Parkmore. These shops are stocked entirely with items donated from the generous public.

For more information about HospiceWits, and to find out how you can make a difference, click here [insert link: HospiceWits – No end to caring]