Palliative Care improves the quality of life throughout the treatment of serious illness by providing practical, emotional and spiritual support.

Hospice Care is a form of palliative care that focusses on relieving symptoms when someone living with a serious illness approaches the end of life.

Barrydale Hospice was established in 2013, when a group of pioneering volunteers led by Sr Joanna, a palliative care specialist, began to address the lack of essential health services in the village, there being no doctor, pharmacy or general hospital. It was registered as an NPO in 2016 and has since been accredited as a Level 1 Hospice with the APCC – Association of Palliative Care Centre. The work has grown to provide hospice and palliative care in the village and surrounding farm areas, in an estimated population of 9000.

Many patients are from vulnerable communities, living below the poverty line. Barrydale Hospice has recognised the escalating prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, HIV/Aids, TB, depression and substance abuse, and the need for more education, care and support surrounding these issues. Barrydale Hospice endeavours to constantly improve on reporting, data capture and analysis, and has been seeking innovative ways to improve palliative and basic health care. Currently employed are Sr Nickie Crookes, as the Barrydale Hospice Medical Manager, and four qualified home-based carers.

HOW DOES ONE ACQUIRE OUR SERVICES?

Patients are referred by doctors or family members and receive nursing care for medical conditions relating to terminal and debilitating illnesses. Family members are supported to provide on-going care and are in communication with the sister as necessary. Psychosocial counselling is provided, and practical or material assistance is given - for e.g. with grant applications or nutrition. Bereavement counselling and practical support around bereavement is provided. Four longstanding home carers undertake care services and are closely supervised by the sister through mentoring and training. All of them completed training in basic home-based palliative care.