The training was conducted here at Msunduzi Hospice and some of the staff of Msunduzi Hospice are now equipped to role this training out to other traditional healers (Traditional Health Practitioners).
A very exciting award ceremony was held to congratulate the Traditional Health Practitioners and certificates were presented to them. Among the guests of honour were representatives from the National Department of Health – Department of Traditional Medicine, The KZN Provincial Department of Health – Department of Primary Health Care; A representative from the Office of the Premier; Representatives from the uMgungundlovu District Department of Health; The CEO of the Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa (HPCA) and other staff from HPCA who contributed to making this training a success. The Vice Chairperson of Msunduzi Hospice was also present. The PEPFAR Liaison Officer was present.
The extension of Palliative care into ever wider areas of application is an important part of ensuring that Palliative Care is available to all South Africans. Upwards of 80% of our patients as Msunduzi Hospice will consult a Traditional Healer at least once during the course of their illness. It is vital that Traditional Healers are therefore aware of when and how to refer their patients from Palliative Care.
Msunduzi Hospice looks forward to working closely with the Traditional Health Practitioners in the future as we seek to ensure the delivery of Quality Palliative Care in the uMgungundlovu District as well as within the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
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