A sanctuary for ill children in need of a helping hand
They also have 28 permanent children in four different homes. All the children are being cared for by mothers, who provide a homely environment for them.
The Covid-19 pandemic has been a challenge for many but more especially to non-profit organisations as they depend on donations.
These organisations continue to serve the less fortunate and those in need.
One of these organisation is Lambano Sanctuary.
The home was established in 2001, in response to children living with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses.
Last year, Lambano became a part of The Order of St John and is now known as St John Lambano.
“This partnership has ensured that we are part of a bigger organisation and ensures that our footprint can have a national impact,” said founder Lyn Croote.
The home has a paediatric medical step-down facility and hospice.
The unit is accredited by the Hospice Palliative Care Association of SA (HPCA).
Patients are referred to the home by hospitals or doctors for extended care.
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The in-patient unit (IPU) consists of 16 beds, and is currently run by 22 trained and experienced medical staff.
The team consists of a doctor, R/N, ENs and caregivers.
Lambano also has a home-based care or community care section and looks after the patients after their discharge.
Should a patient and family not wish to be admitted to the IPU, the patient is then nursed in their own home.
They also have 28 permanent children in four different homes.
All the children are being cared for by mothers, who provide a homely environment for them.
Since the pandemic started the home has been struggling.
The funding has dropped significantly, which has had a serious impact on their services.
Croote said they had to be innovative in their medical facility to ensure safety for the staff and patients.
“We had to find some innovative ways to work around the challenges of Covid-19, namely ensuring that our staff are protected with PPE and the extra cost thereof. We have also had to source funding for the rapid testing of our staff and patients, should we be exposed to Covid-19,” explained Groote.
The homes have also not being spared from challenges.
“Our permanent homes have been impacted by Covid-19 as well. When the schools re-opened, two of the schools that the children attend have had to close due to Covid-19. This caused frustration for everyone, as not all the children attend these schools, but because they live together, they are affected. The homes have also not being spared from challenges.
“We have three matriculants and three Grade 10 learners who are due to leave school at the end of this year; however, with the uncertainty of the schools remaining open and the time lost during the lockdown, their futures are very uncertain at this stage,” said Groote.
Despite all the challenges, they are determined to continue with the work that started in 2001.
The home welcomes any donations, especially food, toiletries, baby products, household essentials, fuel vouchers and medical disposables.
Those who wish to support can visit the organisation’s website here.
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Contact the newsroom by emailing:Editor at germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist) busiv@caxton.co.za.
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