Zululand Hospice in terminal stage
UNLESS there is a dramatic turnaround, Zululand Hospice will have to severely limit the palliative services it renders to the region’s terminal patients.
For thousands of families who, over the years, have been blessed by the professional and gentle care from the organisation’s nursing and counselling staff, the news comes as a great shock.
As with many non-profit groups, the cost of keeping the doors open has become increasingly difficult as the general financial slump takes its toll.
Zululand Hospice general manager Christine Samuel approached the ZO to make their plight known, in the hope it will touch the hearts - and purses - of readers and the greater community.
“It is quite simple: to be sustainable and continue to take care of those in need of palliative care during the inevitable end stage of life due to life threatening, incurable diseases - we need help,” said Samuel.
“As a small non-profit organisation, survival during the past year was difficult. “South Africa faced one of its toughest years and the outlook in 2024 looks just as grim.
“We have lost two very valuable members of our clinical team and cannot replace them at this stage – it seems we will have to close the Richards Bay Hospice house and serve only from the Empangeni house.
“Our hard-working vehicles are aging, and the 2005 Ford Ranger is almost on its last legs.
“The lack of funding from South African corporates, Lotto, and oversees donors is affecting our palliative care programme.”
While there is an obvious need for a long-term solution, which may include recruiting people with business and allied skills to the Hospice board, Samuel says there are some areas where the public can immediately assist in easing the financial burden.
The cost to care for 55-60 patients per month is R80 850, excluding operational costs.
“We have an advertising board at our premises in Empangeni, where businesses can advertise for R3 300 per annum: we will have the board made and erected.
“We also have a R100/ month pledge system available, as well as a Wall of Remembrance in our Empangeni Hospice garden, where a plaque in memory of a loved one can be put up on the wall at a cost of R375.
“Any other donations will also be greatly appreciated, and we provide SARS 18A certification for donations,” said Samuel.
“We are going to continue with submitting proposals and with our fundraising events, as we have money to survive the next two months.
“We have faith that the Lord will provide as He has done in the past.”
Contact details:
Chantel: finance@ zululandhospice.org.za Christine: manager@ zululandhospice.org.za Engela: rbay@ zululandhospice.org.za