Island Hospice & Healthcare

Introduction and background Island Hospice and Healthcare (Island) uses several models to deliver palliative care services namely (i) home-based care; (ii) hospital-based care iii) Rural and community outreach iv) Roadside services (v) therapeutic and comprehensive bereavement care, including for children; and (vi) capacity-building for doctors, nurses, community caregivers and others. The therapeutic and comprehensive bereavement care is tailored to support individuals through their grief, catering to both adults and children affected by loss. This service is inclusive, addressing the needs of those mourning a variety of losses, from patients who were in Island’s care to sudden, unexpected events such as car accidents, suicides, or heart attacks. Intervention and outcomes In Marondera and Bulawayo, Island delivered an internal savings and lending (ISAL) scheme for older persons with a view to strengthen their income generating capacity, increase access to medication and improve access to food. From February 2024 through April 2024, Island delivered care to those grappling with life-threatening conditions and extended a supportive hand to the bereaved. Island staff offered an array of mental wellness services, including bereavement support, trauma-focused debrief sessions, and the formation of partner loss support groups, all tailored to nurture the emotional well-being of clients. Furthermore, Island spearheaded a series of trainings and workshops aimed at enhancing the proficiency and empathy of palliative and bereavement care among staff and external organisations. Between February 2024 and April 2024, Island provided care to 350 (129 Males: 221 Females) patients, a marginal increase from 331 supported in the previous reporting period. Patients and clients were cared for through 1,768 contacts, a marginal decrease from 1778 contacts made in the previous quarter. Virtual contacts (794) continued to dominate Island’s means of delivering services followed by home visits (460) and office contacts (217). Other contacts were made through hospital ward rounds (117), roadside clinics (54) and hospital visits (91) and roadside clinics (89).

The two stories below demonstrate typical changes to people’s lives because of Island interventions:-

. Story of Change 1: The magic of Internal Saving and lending scheme (ISAL) We started our internal saving and lending scheme (ISAL) group of 10 members on 28 April 2023. The group was formed after receiving ISAL training from Island and we were driven by the need to sustain our livelihoods as Older Persons (OPs). The training equipped us with the knowledge to raise monthly subscriptions and meeting our daily basic needs such as food, clothing and catering for our grandchildren’s education. We also learnt on standing on our own, without relying heavily to our children for financial support. As a group we agreed to start with US$5-00 subscription per person per month. The money was supposed to be borrowed by members of the group and returned with 20% interest. We agreed as a group that everyone should borrow the money to increase our profits. All individuals were encouraged to use the money for business, to start small Income Generating Activity (IGA) which would enable one to contribute monthly as well as cater for their household needs. In August 2023, we took money from our savings and bought 50 layers. Island equipped us with the knowledge on raising these birds. They started laying eggs in December 2023 and currently we collect 30 eggs per day being sold at US4-00 per crate. We also decided to expand our business in November 2023, we were supported by Island Hospice with 51 broilers, 1 bag of Starter, 1 bag of Grower, 2 bags of Finisher and a stress pack. Through the knowledge we had acquired from Island, we only recorded 2 deaths from the 50 birds we received. We managed to sell all the birds at US7-00 and made an income of US343-00 and we decided to put a second batch of broilers which is currently on 5th week, and we are looking forward to starting to sell them in the following week. Formation of this group has proved to be a great idea that we never dreamt of as it has immensely improved our livelihoods. The money that we have saved has been used to cater for our medication, food and education expenses for children under our care. We are planning to diversify our business and start a grocery shop to increase our profits. These achievements we have made as a group have made us realise the importance of having a savings group.

Story of change 2: I am ready to fight cancer My name is Chipo (Pseudo name) and I am a lady aged 38 years old. I am married and stay with my husband. We were blessed with two children. In October 2023 I noticed a small lump in my right breast. At first, I did not take it seriously as I thought it will disappear on its own. But after one month I discovered that the lump is growing bigger and bigger. It now started to worry me, but I tried to brush it from my mind. After some times of sleepless nights, I then decided to go to see my doctor. My husband accompanied me to the doctor and the doctor took a biopsy and I was told to wait for two weeks until results came out. After two weeks of long waiting, I went back to the doctor for the results and that is where the problem started. I felt that my world is crushing on me. The doctor told me that I have cancer of breast stage 2. The doctor had some counselling sessions with me and my husband, but it did not make any sense at all as my mind was overwhelmed. The doctor then referred us to go to Island Hospice and Health Care. We waited for two more weeks before we went to Island Hospice offices as referred because I was thinking of other options like herbs or going to the traditional healers. My family decided to ignore to go to hospital, but my husband and I decided to try what the doctor had said though we were even not sure of the idea. My husband and I then decided to go to Island Hospice. When we arrived, we were welcomed by smiling faces of Island staff. We did a counselling session with the social worker. My husband and I started receiving counselling session from the social worker I then started accepting the condition. The social worker then referred me to the nurse. The nurse encouraged me to follow all the treatment modalities as I was hesitating due to fears I had about chemotherapy. Island team keep on encouraging me to adhere to treatment. Surgery was done and it was successful, the nurse visited me whilst I was admitted in hospital. The support I got from Island team keeps me and my husband going. The team keep on visiting me at home and sometimes phoning me and my husband. Currently I am waiting for my chemotherapy session, and I am not afraid of the session as I am already told of the expectations of the procedure. It was through Island team that made me and my husband strong and going. I will be starting my chemotherapy sessions very soon and I am not afraid of the session as I know that I have the full support from my family and Island team. The team helped me to face reality and be able to move forward.

Island continue to provide care to vulnerable members of the society in Zimbabwe. 

• Older Person in Internal Savings & Lending Scheme (DOCX)