According to the annual report, the NPO, which is based in Kemston Avenue, aims to provide high-quality, holistic and non-discriminatory home-based care for those with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
In 2016/2017 Hospice East Rand cared for a total of 621.
“One of the most important decisions in the course of Hospice East Rand’s existence was made at the beginning of 2017: the decision to close the In-Patient Unit and Frail Care Centre unit,” said Con Roux, chairperson of the organisation.
“Either the unit had to be closed as a consequence of the ongoing losses, or Hospice itself would, sooner rather than later, have to shut its doors.”
Roux explained that several retrenchments took place, but the non-profit organisation saw some success with the new strategy that was implemented.
“The new strategy is very simple: care at home,” Roux said.
He thanked the members of staff for their understanding through the difficult transition period.
“The results have been impressive,” he said.
Roux provided the following as results of new strategies implemented at Hospice East Rand:
• Patient numbers are at unprecedented levels.
• New staff members have been employed.
• Seven sisters are working in the community.
• Finances have improved.
• Activities are focused and effective.
• Morale is good.
The charity shops generate the most income and brought in a net income of about R3-million.
“Without the shops there wouldn’t be sustainability and Hospice East Rand would no longer be in existence,” Roux said.
A comprehensive marketing strategy has also been launched to better promote the organisation, focusing on digital platforms and the development of a new logo and letterheads.
The fund-raising pool has shrunk and a strategy to find donors and funding needs to be established.
Medical manager Dr Vineshree Moodley said the home-based care approach has had ups and downs. Challenges include patients with life-limiting illnesses (dementia, renal failure) becoming long-term patients needing rehabilitation from allied medical disciplines but are unable to access it, and the majority of patients generate a low income and donations are limited.
Patient care manager Sister Sindisiwe Mdlalose thanked Moodley for being a permanent doctor to respond to house calls, and several other volunteers and departments for keeping Hospice East Rand functional.
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