About Drakenstein Palliative Hospice
Short history
Drakenstein Palliative Hospice was started by a group of volunteers in May 1991 in response to a need for compassionate professional clinical care and support to patients living with a life-threatening illness in the Drakenstein Sub-District.
We employ Palliative Care trained professional nurses and social workers. In 2004 we trained 25 palliative care home based caregivers to expand and support the work. We provide a free care service to approximately 220 patients per month.
Our services are generously funded by our community and various business plans are written. In addition, medical aid programs are increasingly recognising the need for quality palliative care and support in the client's homes which provides some cross-subsidisation for our free service.
Areas we work in
We work primarily in the Drakenstein Sub-District, as part of the Cape Winelands.
Why we do what we do?
We understand that when you, or a family member, are sick you there are lots of questions around the process which is compounded by:
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Misinformation and fear -
Challenges with loss and grief -
Compromised social and living environment -
Lack of professional skills, knowledge and resources -
Apparent indifference to the ethical and spiritual needs of patients and their families -
Ignorance about patient's specific cultural beliefs & values -
Compromised access to resources and facilities -
Hospitalisation and medical care expenses -
Special challenges around care for children living with a life threatening illness
Free vs paid service
We provide a free palliative care service to patients and their families who fit in with our admission criteria. This is however a time limited service as we have many patients we look after in a large area.
Our vision and mission
Our vision:
Quality in life and dignity in death
Our mission:
To provide, support and be the leaders and specialists in patient-centred palliative care within the Primary Health Care system
Our motto:
Quality in life and dignity in death
The change we make in our community?
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Provide access to palliative care. -
Access to active symptom management & medication control. -
Confidence with approach to end-of-life care concerns. -
Provide training and development of palliative care practice. -
Keep both the patient and family peaceful.
Our interdisciplinary team
At Drakenstein Palliative Hospice the Patient is the head of our team. We work with professionals across all disciplines and expertise to provide our patients with access to holistic palliative care.
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We employ Palliative Care trained professional nurses and social workers. In 2004 we trained 25 palliative care home based caregivers to expand and support the work. We provide a free care service to an average of 250 patients per month.
Meet our management team
Elizabeth Scrimgeour
CEO
Elizabeth is a Palliative Professional Nurse; with specialisations in Midwifery, Oncology, and Psychiatry.
She has a BA Hons in Psychology and MTh in pastoral narrative therapy. Elizabeth represents Western Cape on the HPCA Board, and is the chairperson of the Ethics Committee and a palliative care advocate.
Kitty Jordaan
OPERATIONAL MANAGER
Justine is a Palliative Social Worker with a Masters Degree in Social Work. She has a special affinity with children and is skilled in advanced care planning. Justine is also a skilled trainer in palliative care and SAW’s.
Justine Goliath
IDT CO-ORDINATOR
Kitty is a Palliative Professional Nurse with a BA Degree in Palliative Nursing and a diploma in Occupational Therapy.
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She has a special skill in training and many years of experience in training home-based carers and professional staff.
FINANCIAL MANAGER
Annelise Niemand
Annelise has 15 years of experience in bookkeeping and is proficient in multiple financial management programmes.
She also has experience in human resources, catering, and marketing.