AFTER the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdown, the Highway Hospice had to close down its in-patient unit, which cost half a million rand per month to run.
Despite that downfall, the dedicated staff continue to do their job with pride and, in the last year, they completed 11 000 home visits.
ALSO READ: Highway Hospice continues to care for patients
“During the hard lockdown, we had to limit the number of people coming in and that was against our principles as our patients need to be loved and be surrounded by their families,” said the Highway Hospice’s John Olds.
The Highway Hospice has, since 1982, provided a vital service to the critically ill in the community as well as to their families.
Olds said there are people who are under the impression that the hospice has permanently shut its doors. “It is not true. We are still very much dedicated to our patients, and our staff continue to provide special care. We reach about 3 596 beneficiaries every month through home visits,” he said.
With the Covid-19 pandemic, the Highway Hospice, like many organisations, was negatively affected.
“Our funding has dropped and our main need is always cash as it pays for our staff’s salaries. We provide palliative care and nothing happens without the salaries,” he said.
He added the organisation is always in need of adult diapers. “They help our patients with dignity and comfort. With our nurses always on the road doing home visits, our vehicles are always in need of maintenance,” he said.
Olds admitted that working under the restrictions has been challenging for the staff who have to go out on daily basis.
“They have been incredible. They provide the patients with medication but also counselling for the sick, their families and friends,” he said.
Olds thanked everyone who continues to support the NPO.
ALSO READ: Donation rolls in for Highway Hospice
“Recently, we hosted our biggest fundraiser, the Tree of Light, which was well supported and, for that, we are thankful,” he said.
He also thanked the Lahee Park Bowling Club, which recently hosted a fundraiser where a sum of R52 000 was raised in honour of the Highway Hospice.
To assist the hospice, contact Olds on 083 657 7765 or email fundraising@hospice.co.za.
Another way to assist the the hospice is to support its charity shop by donating your pre-loved items.
ALSO READ: Pinetown Highway Hospice charity shop needs your preloved items
Donations can be dropped off at the shop situated at 5 Butts Road, off Underwood Road. For collections, contact 031 709 2647. For other queries, contact the shop on 031 701 4726. The shop is open from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 15:45, and on Saturday from 08:30 till noon.
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