- St Luke’s Combined Hospices (SLCH) is calling for donations and support on World Palliative Care Day to help patients with life-limiting illnesses.
- With facilities across Cape Town, SLCH provides medical, emotional, and spiritual care to terminally ill patients and their families.
- Donor contributions are crucial to expanding services and ensuring that these patients receive the holistic care they deserve.
In commemoration of World Palliative Care Day observed annually on 12 October, St Luke’s Combined Hospices (SLCH) are calling on supporters to help them give patients that are facing life-limiting illnesses access to vital care services.
“A decade is a significant milestone in any context. It is particularly poignant in this context as it allows for reflection, measuring progress and assessing impact.
“That is why St Luke’s has extended the theme to incorporate impact as it too celebrates its impact on patient and families lives this Palliative Care Month,” explains Dr Ronita Mahilall, chief executive officer (CEO) at SLCH.
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Palliative care is specialised medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness, regardless of the diagnosis or stage of the disease.
The goal is to improve the quality of life for the patient and their family.
SLCH has day hospices in Grassy Park, False Bay, Athlone, Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Gugulethu and the West Coast.
The facilities support the entire ecosystem, which includes the emotional, physical and medical care for patients and their families facing challenges of caring for a loved one with a terminal illness.
Care
SLCH offers a dedicated team to each patient which includes medical care, counselling, home-based support, and spiritual guidance – all of which rely heavily on donor contributions.
Without generous donors, much of this work would not be possible.
The organisation is at the forefront of providing essential palliative care to patients across Cape Town for 44 years.
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The Hospice Week 2024 Roadshow, held from Monday 7 to Saturday 12 October, highlighted the profound impact they have made with patients and families. “At SLCH we believe in a future where palliative care is accessible to all who need it. But to get there, we need your help,” says Jenelle Krishna, head of donor relations.
The organisation is appealing to individuals and companies for support to assist them to continue providing compassionate care to those who need it most. All the donations go directly towards expanding their services in the communities, training healthcare workers, and ensuring that patients and their families receive the holistic care they deserve. These donations are tax deductible.
- To become a monthly donor or to make a one-time donation: www.stlukeshospice.org.za/donate or email jenellek@stlukes.co.za
