Increase Paediatric Palliative Care in KZN, SA

As we move towards the end of another year we reflect on our achievements, successes and remember those little ones who have left us. Being given the opportunity to do this work is a blessing beyond words and everyone in our team is grateful. Our play programmes continue to be a shining light in the lives of the children in hospital. Umduduzi - Hospice Care for Children opened its first Play and Stimulation Centre, Sithandeni, at Clairwood Hospital in 2012. Unfortunately, at the end of April 2018 this programme had to be move due to the Department of Health’s change in vision for Clairwood Hospital. The hospital now utilises the children’s ward for Kangaroo Mother Care and no longer for children’s admissions. This programme was set up at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi in May 2018 and continues to provide a service to the four paediatric wards (100 beds). In 2016 a second Play and Stimulation Programme was opened at King Dinuzulu Hospital to provide an Early Childhood Development Programme for the pre-school children in the 31 bed Multi Drug Resistant TB (MDR TB) Ward. Both these programmes provide an invaluable service to the children and to the hospitals. We have seen how the interactions with our play co-ordinators quickens the healing process. The atmosphere at both hospitals when the programmes are running is definitely one of joy and excitement and one cannot but smile when you’re there. The palliative care work continues to grow as more people are realising the service we can offer. We were thrilled to welcome Sr Khombisile Ntuli, affectionately known as KI, to our team. A truly incredible addition. Over this year we have provided services to more than 180 children. This would not be possible without the support of amazing people like you. Through your support we have been able to provide comfort and support to families and children at their most vulnerable times. For that we are truly grateful. I would like to wish everyone a blessed festive season and hope that 2019 brings you joy. We think of all those families who will have an empty space at their table this year. Gone but never forgotten.