Hospice East Rand welcomes new doctor
“At Hospice we strive to provide comprehensive end-of-life care to patients and their families.”
Hospice East Rand is excited to welcome its new doctor, Dr Lois Tarwa, to its team.
Tarwa is passionate about palliative care as is evident through her journey so far.
Tarwa’s interest in cancer and palliative care started while she was a high school learner.
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While she was part of the debutante programme, she volunteered for the Cancer Association of South Africa.
During her studies at medical school, Tarwa selected palliative care as an elective module and subsequently spent time at St Luke’s Hospice in Cape Town.
While doing her community service in primary health, she channelled her interests to the rise of cancers in HIV positive patients.
She is currently completing her master’s degree in Cancer and Clinical Oncology with a focus on the use of immunotherapy in HIV and AIDS patients with cancer.
Speaking about palliative care Tarwa said dying is the final stage of life.
“As doctors, we can sometimes feel disheartened when we cannot save a patient,” said Tarwa.
“Despite this, it is important to treat our patients holistically and with compassion to the very end.”
She explained that palliative care is a process and not an event.
Palliative care is centred around improving the quality of life for patients diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses.
This is achieved through the prevention and relief of suffering, the early identification, assessment and treatment of pain and other psychosocial and spiritual problems.
It is a resource for anyone living with a life-threatening illness.
According to Hospice, a palliative care team is comprised of various professionals that work with the patient, their family and the patient’s other doctors to provide medical, social, emotional and practical support.
“At Hospice we strive to provide comprehensive end-of-life care to patients and their families.”
Tarwa said unfortunately certain communities are not aware of palliative care or don’t believe they have the right to this service.
“Every person deserves to die peacefully with their dignity upheld,”
“These principles form the foundation of Hospice East Rand.”
For more information about Hospice East Rand’s services or how you can help Hospice East Rand visit www.hospiceeastrand.co.za email info@hospiceeastrand.co.za or call 0114221531/ 0649892076.
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