The ins and outs of Hospice East Rand
"We need to know the medical history of the patient and their condition of health so we can have a plan going forward."
Hospice East Rand has appealed to the community in and around Edenvale to support its charity shop by donating second-hand items in good condition.
Located on Central Avenue, the shop is one of several in the Ekurhuleni region which help the organisation keep its doors open.
With its regional office in Benoni, Hospice East Rand provides palliative care for persons whose diseases are no longer responsive to curative treatment.
It caters for patients in the Bedfordview, Edenvale, Benoni, Boksburg, Brakpan, Daveyton, Germiston, Heidelberg, Kempton Park, Nigel, Springs and Vosloorus areas.
Jonquil Siepman, a communications consultant for hospice, said the organisation assists with the control of pain, psychological, social and spiritual concerns.
She said South African Hospice programmes provide care to patients with advanced, progressive diseases, such as cancer and HIV/Aids.
To provide care to its patients, nurses are appointed to each area.
“Our focus is on home-based care which extends into the bereavement period.”
Jonquil said although hospice had inpatient units, the decision to focus on home-based care stemmed from a lack of funds and a decision to reduce costs.
“We rely heavily on donations from the community, businesses and sales made at the charity shop.”
Although the inpatient units no longer exist, there are day-care facilities in Benoni and Vosloorus where patients going through similar experiences can come together.
Before receiving treatment from hospice potential patients will need to fill out a medical report form available at the Benoni offices or www.hospiceeastrand.co.za
The legal document is necessary as it provides details of the diagnosis, any treatment given and the current health status of the patient.
“We need to know the medical history of the patient and their condition of health so we can have a plan going forward.”
Once completed, the medical report form must either be emailed to intake@hospiceeastrand.co.za or dropped off at Hospice East Rand reception located at 218 Kemston Avenue, Benoni.
Once received, the form will be evaluated to ensure the patient fits the criteria and the registration process will begin.
Intake officer Sr Lethiwe Mgudlwa will make contact with the patient for any outstanding information.
She will also assign a palliative care nursing sister to do a home-based assessment.
To donate any second-hand items, visit the Edenvale store located at 27 Central Avenue. Alternatively, contact the Benoni offices on 011 422 1531.
Items which are currently in demand at the stores include furniture, crockery, cutlery and kitchen appliances.
