New addition to Hospice Wits

Hospice Wits will be joining the Queen Street business community in Kensington.

The group will be opening a vintage book store at 172 Queen Street, Kensington, from October 10.

Most of the organisation's income is generated from its retail shops in Orange Grove, Parkmore, Randburg and now Kensington.

Ms Michelle Von Allemann said the hospice would not be able to maintain and grow its vital services to those who face the journey of terminal illness, if it were not for the caring and understanding of special donors in their community.

“If anyone has spare time, we are always looking for volunteers to assist for a few hours a week,” she said.

Donations of either goods or time will be greatly appreciated.

Most Hospice Wits patients prefer to be nursed in their own homes, surrounded by family members and close friends. These patients are supported by a holistic team of doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and community care givers.

Hospice Wits has two in-patient units, which run 24 hours a day, all year long. Patients are admitted for respite, pain control, symptom management and end of life care. Patients are able to stay in the ward for up to two weeks thereafter. If they are in a fit state, they are discharged back into the home care programme under the supervision of the home care team.

There is also the Siyanqoba Empowerment Project, which caters to HIV positive patients. The patients attend Hospice Wits Soweto five days a week. They receive two nutritious meals, have access to a professional team of doctors, nurses and social workers. They are able to interact with patients who are in similar situations as themselves.

Patients also independently run a small income generating project, where crafts are sold to the public.

In addition, Hospice Wits also has the Centre for Palliative Learning, where training in various aspects of palliative care is given to a number of community members.

Hospice Wits offers an ancillary care workers course, an Auxiliary nurse’s course and various courses to individuals including the Hospice Wits caregiver’s course and grief, loss and bereavement workshops.

The Mapetla Day Care Centre is also available for children between the ages of two and seven. The children attend this facility five days week. They receive two nutritious meals and early childhood development. This facility enables children to prepare for formal schooling without the further disadvantages of HIV/Aids and its consequences.