End-of-life caregivers honoured

• Published date: 04 May 2024
• Author: Zolani Sinxo
• Publication title: Weekend Argus

Hospice Week, which ends on May 11, will see activities that recognise, share and celebrate the achievements of hospice and palliative care programmes with their partners

The Week also highlights the importance of an effective partnership between family members, carers, service providers, funders, government departments and other stakeholders as vital to the provision of quality care.

Dr Ewa Skowronska, CEO of the Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC), said palliative care is the physical, psychological, social and spiritual care provided to persons living with life-threatening illnesses.

“Care is offered from the point of diagnosis and extends to bereavement support if needed. Palliative care is an international human right for all people living with a life-threatening illness. We are honoured to work with our members to continue ensuring that we provide quality palliative care to all in South Africa, with care beyond service,” Skowronska said.

APCC is a member organisation for 91 palliative care centres across the country, and in 2023, these members cared for 38 228 people.

Of these, 16 327 (41%) were patients and 21 901 (59%) were patient household members or loved ones. The predominant diagnosis of patients was HIV/Aids (37%), followed by cancer (25%), chronic illness (23%), Covid (12%), and tuberculosis...