Island Hospice & Healthcare

Introduction and background
Island uses several models to deliver palliative and bereavement care services namely (i) home-based care; (ii) hospital-based care iii) Rural and community outreach iv) Outreach Roadside clinic and (v) virtual consultations. The various models are tailor made to suit the needs of patients and clients in different situations and settings.
Intervention and outcomes
From May 2024 through September 2024, Island delivered care to those grappling with life-threatening conditions and 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 conducted several training sessions and workshops aimed at enhancing palliative care and bereavement services skills among health professionals in the public sector and those in the private sector.
Between May 2024 and September 2024, Island provided care to 456 (160 Males: 296 Females) patients, a marginal increase from 350 supported in the previous reporting period. The organization made 3316 caring contacts with patients and clients. This was an increase from 1768 contacts made in the previous reporting period. Virtual contacts (1350) continued to dominate Island’s means of delivering services followed by home visits (1010) and office contacts (316). Other contacts were made through hospital ward rounds (306), roadside clinics (239) and hospital visits (95)
The stories below demonstrate typical changes to patients’ and clients’ lives because of Island interventions.
Story of Change 1: Saved by Island
My name is Paida (Not real name) and I’m a 41-year-old mother of three. I live with my husband, daughters, and younger sister. I tested HIV positive in 2004 and have been under ARV treatment ever since. In February 2023, I was diagnosed with rectal cancer. Before that, I used to do buying and selling to support my family, while my husband worked as a security guard. However, after my cancer diagnosis, I fell into denial and chose to visit traditional healers for treatment. Unfortunately, my condition only worsened, and I was forced to stop my daily activities including going to work.

As the pain intensified and my health deteriorated, I abandoned the traditional medicine route, realising that my condition was growing worse with each day. Before Island Hospice came into my life, I was living in misery, caused by unbearable pain day and night. I felt lost. I was constantly crying and overwhelmed by one problem after another, with no idea where to turn for help. My marriage was on the verge of collapse, and my neighbours didn’t want to share the bathroom with me. My family was growing weary of my situation, and I was on the brink of losing hope. At that time, I had no idea how to manage my wounds, and the unanswered questions in my mind kept me awake at night, affecting both my mental and physical well-being. Despite the efforts of the herbalists, my pain continued to worsen.

In May 2023, a friend told me about local caregivers. I sent my daughter to ask for help, and the next day, an Island caregiver visited me. We talked for almost three hours, and I cried until there were no tears left because of the weight I was carrying. The caregiver then referred me to the nurses, who came to see me two days later. I shared my story with the nurse, and that same day, I received medication—co-codamol, amitriptyline, and bisacodyl. The nurse also spent time talking with me, and I began to feel relieved not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. My family also felt a sense of relief, as they had been confused and unsure of how to help me.

From that point on, my life began to change. I started doing sitz baths which involve sitting in warm water to cleanse and soothe the perineal area, helping to relieve my pain and discomfort, taking my medication daily, and openly talking with my family and relatives—things that seemed impossible before the Island team stepped in. My husband and I even began to discuss our marriage issues and found ways to resolve them together. My daughters started supporting me day and night, and even the attitude of my neighbors changed. Life is now much better and more meaningful than it was before.

Although I am still battling cancer, I am deeply grateful for the care I receive from the Island team—the caregivers, nurses, and social workers. Their support has truly transformed my life. I want to sincerely thank Island for the incredible work they are doing for patients like me. I hope they continue to provide the same support to all cancer patients in need.

Story of change 2: The power of cancer awareness sessions
My name is Chipo (Pseudo name), and I am 68 years old. I am a mother of five children, living with my husband, daughters, and a son in Mutare. My journey began in 2015 when I noticed lumps on my left breast. Initially, I dismissed it as a minor issue, but the lumps grew and became painful. I resorted to painkillers, which only provided temporary relief.
One day, at church, a nurse from Island Hospice gave a presentation on breast cancer. As she described the symptoms, I realised that they mirrored my own experience. Fear and denial gripped me. I left the church feeling both angry and scared, unwilling to accept that I might have a serious health issue. I isolated myself, avoiding church and family gatherings, and kept my condition hidden for four years.
By then, the lump had grown significantly and emitted an offensive smell. I could no longer hide it. Confiding in my daughters was one of the most difficult moments of my life. They were shocked and hurt that I had kept it from them. Despite my reluctance, they insisted on seeing a doctor. The diagnosis was grim: due to the delay, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery were no longer viable options.
My daughters registered me with Island Hospice. Initially uncomfortable, I found solace in their non-judgmental and supportive approach. The nurse gave me hope and made me feel understood. Encouraged by my family, I saw a specialist and began treatment. I felt a renewed sense of hope and normalcy.
With Island's support, I returned to church and reconnected with relatives. While my prognosis remains uncertain, I am no longer fearful. I follow treatment plans and live with acceptance of my condition. Island's impact on my life has been profound, and I advocate for their continued cancer awareness campaigns in churches and public spaces. Early detection and seeking medical help are crucial. Through Island Hospice, I found hope and support, enabling me to face my condition with courage and dignity.

 Story of change 3: I benefitted from an integrated set of services

I live with my husband and two children in a suburb of Marondera. My eldest, a boy in Form 3, and my youngest, a girl in Form 1, are both crucial parts of my life. In December 2023, my life changed dramatically when I suffered a stroke. The stroke left me with significant challenges, including difficulties with mobility, speech, and performing daily tasks. The impact was both physical and emotional, and living with this new reality was tough for our family. My husband and I couldn’t afford professional help, which meant my young daughter had to step in to care for me. Her days became a whirlwind of responsibilities: helping me walk, assisting me in the bathroom, bathing me, and changing my clothes. The physical and emotional strain on her was immense.
One day, a lifeline appeared in the form of a Community Home Based Caregiver (CHBC) from Island Hospice and Healthcare (Island). She introduced herself and explained that she could offer support tailored to our needs. She was a beacon of hope, and I eagerly agreed to register with Island. Island provided much-needed assistance in several key areas. They enrolled my daughter in their young carers program, which equipped her with essential skills and knowledge to manage my care more effectively. This program was a game-changer for us, offering her both practical guidance and emotional support.
I also benefited greatly from sessions with a social worker provided by Island. These counseling sessions were instrumental in helping me cope with the psychological aspects of my stroke. I had been isolated and withdrawn, struggling to accept my condition. The support helped me reconnect with my family, improve my communication, and even find joy in moments I had thought lost.
Another crucial aspect of Island’s support was the provision of medication. The stroke had left me with chronic pain and discomfort, and affording the necessary medication was a significant burden. Island’s assistance in this area was a relief, as the medication helped manage my pain and improved my mobility. I began to walk with less support and handle daily tasks with more independence.
The benefits of Island’s support extended to my children as well. My son, who had previously been difficult, refusing to help with chores, and even stealing money, began to change. The young carers program not only supported my daughter but also influenced my son positively. He started assisting more around the house and demonstrated improved behavior. My daughter’s education from the program helped bridge the gap between them, fostering a more cooperative family dynamic.
I am deeply grateful to Island for their unwavering support. Their assistance has made a profound difference in my life, both physically and emotionally. My hope is to fully recover and return to work so I can contribute to our family’s well-being. I am eager to regain my independence and handle things on my own without relying on others for help.