HospiceWits cares for, and supports, patients who are diagnosed with a life threatening or life limiting illness, those entering the end stages of a terminal disease and those who require care as they approach the end of their lives. Palliative care, often misunderstood and underutilized, is a specialized approach to healthcare that focuses on improving the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses. It encompasses pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support, and holistic care tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences.
At HospiceWits, there are several Palliative Care professionals dedicated to easing the suffering of patients who come from in and around the greater Johannesburg and Soweto communities.
Palliative Care Nurses are specialised in the care of patients who are dealing with terminal illnesses and life threatening diseases. They will recommend the correct medication to treat pain, ensure that the patient feels comfortable and secure at all times, offer services such as the overall monitoring of the patient. The Nurses make themselves fully available to the patient and their families under their care and provide additional support to families through counselling and education.
Palliative care Doctors not only provide medical support but work with the Nurses to draw up patient care programmes and liaise with the patient and their family on a regular basis. Because palliative care is specialised, it is important to have a specially trained physician on board to facilitate proper care. HospiceWits has an experienced full time Palliative Care Doctor who ensures the patient’s pain is managed and their symptoms are controlled, and that the Nurses support the patient’s care programme on a daily basis.
The Doctors and Nurses are supported by Social Workers, Volunteer counsellors, and other relevant counsellors who work together to provide emotional, spiritual and physical support to patients and their families. These individuals are trained to deal with palliative care needs and with the families of those under care. Each provide bereavement and grief counselling.
We have heard the saying that it takes a village to raise a child. It also takes a village to care for the sick. HospiceWits has provided support, care and compassion to the communities in the greater Johannesburg and Soweto area for the past 45 years and is proud to be part of the village that cares for those who are challenged by a life threatening or life limiting illness, never forgetting their families and their needs.
