Update
KAROO NEWS - Despite the recent very generous donation from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), the local Hospice, serving Graaff-Reinet and towns as far away as Steytlerville, is still in dire need of funds.
As explained in a previous article, the bulk of the grant is to be used to buy a vehicle. Hospice faces a very real challenge to convince funders that they still need help to cover their running costs.
The Department of Health (DOH) fund the monthly stipends of less than R2 000 for the ten Caregivers, and if Hospice tries to secure a top-up for them to a more realistic reimbursement, the Department will withdraw their funding as they see this as ‘double dipping’ which is not allowed.
The DOH’s funding finishes at the end of May which leaves Hospice in a very difficult position: the Department pays the Caregivers, and contributes towards the Sisters’ and some of the administrative staff’s salaries. NLC does not pay stipends, and only contributes towards salaries for the Sisters and administrative staff. Hospice simply does not have funding for the Caregivers, and it is unreasonable to expect a Professional Nurse and a Staff Nurse to continue to work for the organisation for a very low salary.
Taking all the monthly expenses into account, it has been calculated that it costs Hospice approximately R2 900 per month per patient. There are currently 137 patients on the register, which makes a staggering total of R397 300 per month. After paying R520 000 for the much-needed 9- seater bus, Hospice is not left much change from the R951 000 NLC grant for the rest of the year.
One of Hospice’s ongoing fundraising initiatives that is simple to support is the Friends of Hospice group. Any member of the community, or business, can become involved in this, by means of a regular monthly donation. Individuals are asked to pledge just R30 per month (although more would obviously be very welcome!), and businesses, R250 per month.
In the letter of appeal to potential Friends, they are asked to imagine the shock of finding out that they or a loved one has a life-limiting illness, and the accompanying emotions of fear, confusion, panic and hopelessness. The letter goes on to explain that there is help available from the team of highly trained professionals at Hospice, who offer palliative care in the form of holistic care and support for people living with the challenges of a life- changing illness.
“The Camdeboo Hospice nursing team visits patients in the privacy of their home. They are trained to assess, counsel and provide the physical and emotional support needed to the patient and their loved ones, whether it is pain control, dealing with distressing symptoms, nursing care, bereavement counselling or adjusting to a changed reality”.
The appeal concludes with an invitation to become “part of a team that cares, supports, restores dignity and brings hope for those whose future looks bleak.”
Anyone who feels moved to help the organisation with a monthly donation can contact Colleen Buckle at the Hospice office at 18 Church Square, or on 049 892 4608.
Read a previous article here: Lotto grant a relief for local hospice
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