KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Finance, Ms Belinda Scott, celebrated International Children’s Day with children with life-threatening and life limiting illnesses in Clairwood Hospital today.
International Children's Day 2015 marks the 90th global celebration of the rights and well-being of children around the world. It is a day dedicated to not only celebrating, but also appreciating; the role children play in the future of all communities around the world.
In partnership with uMduduzi Hospice Care for Children (MHCC) an non-governmental organisation (NGO) which offers a number of services under the umbrella of palliative care, MEC Scott visited Clairwood Hospital paediatric ward to promote and provide compassionate to children with lifethreatening or time-limiting illnesses.
“I heard of uMduduzi Hospice Care for Children and amazing services they render towards palliative care with their limited resources, which is the new concept in South Africa and which needs to be incorporated in the health system. But I think that this NGO needs a lot of support particularly funding, so that this programme can be a fixed programme to benefit more children” said MEC Scott.
The Deputy Director of MHCC, Dr Julia Ambler said that “we aim to promote and provide compassionate care to children with life threatening and life limiting illnesses. It is all about bringing compassion, dignity, relevant care and relief from discomfort and pain to children diagnosed with terminal illness within the province. We do this through direct patient care, mentorship, empowerment of caregivers, training and advocacy”.
“Palliative care has been in existence for a long time in other countries but it is relatively new in our country. We also deal with the bereavement phase which is the very difficult moment for the family and the child that is going to pass away. We will be there to support both the child and the parents. Not everyone finds it easy to talk to a child about dying, but actually children can be very accepting and it can be incredible rewarding time of spiritual and emotional growth for the whole family if it is handled properly and if they feel that they are supported during that time” said Dr Ambler.
The CEO of Clairwood Hospital, Mr Njabulo Gwala, said that, “the department of health in the province is aware of palliative care and is in support of this initiative. The province has instituted the task team that is looking into the establishment of the palliative care programme in most hospitals. The aim is to have allocated palliative care beds in each hospital”.
For more information, contact:
Musa Cebisa
Cell: 071 6878 777
Mbuso Khuboni (Clairwood Hospital PRO)
Cell: 073 848 6935
