Dr Lois Tarwa, who recently joined the Hospice East Rand, is described as someone who is passionate about palliative care.
“Hospice East Rand is excited to welcome Tarwa to our team,” wrote Jonquil Siepman, marketing and media relations officer for Hospice East Rand.
Siepman stated that Tarwa’s interest in cancer and palliative care started in high school when she was part of the debutante programme volunteering for Cansa.
“While in medical school she selected palliative care as an elective module and subsequently spent time at St Luke’s Hospice in Cape Town,” said Siepman.
“While doing her community service in primary health, she channelled her interests in the rise of cancers in HIV positive patients. She is 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.”
Tarwa said, “As doctors, we can sometimes feel disheartened when we cannot save a patient, but it is important to treat our patients holistically and with compassion to the very end.”
Siepman pointed out that palliative care is a process and not an event.
“At Hospice we strive to provide comprehensive end-of-life care to patients and their families. 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 and these principles form the foundation of Hospice East Rand.”
For more information about their services or how you can help Hospice East Rand, visit www.hospiceeastrand.co.za or email info@hospiceeastrand.co.za or call 011 422 1531/064 989 2076.
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