In South Africa, Hospice Week is taking place from 5 – 11 May 2024. Annually, this week focuses on the role that the palliative care sector plays in healthcare. This year, the Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC), has launched their awareness campaign around not just what palliative care means, but also the fact that all of their members adhere to the Standards for Palliative Healthcare Services.
According to Dr Ewa Skowronska, the CEO of the APCC, the APCC is the only organisation in South Africa that has developed accredited Standards for Palliative Healthcare Services. She goes on to say that since the release of the national Policy Framework and Strategy for Palliative Care, there has been a mushrooming of Service Providers in South Africa that are not accredited.
The patient stories received from APCC members support the excellence of the service received via these accredited facilities. In a letter to APCC member, HospiceWits, Sasha Ryan writes: “I watched with wonder as you seamlessly integrated the art and science of nursing, masterfully navigating the complex web of medical procedures, medications, and treatments. You provided a safe harbour amidst the tempest, instilling hope and fostering an environment of healing, love, and trust.”
The 91 APCC members all enter membership to the organisation by being taken through the policies, procedures and protocols necessary to gain a 1-Star accreditation.
To support members in not only gaining their first accreditation, but also to increase their star-levels, the APCC has established a Mentorship Programme. The mentors (who are also members), take other members through the policies, procedures and protocols necessary to gain a Level 1 accreditation and then guide them through the other 4 levels. In 2023 and early 2024, 14 members managed to increase their star level by an additional star.
“It is wonderful to see other members around the country and help them implement the Standards,” says fellow mentor Hillary Grey, CEO of Knysna-Sedgefield Hospice. “It is about taking what they do and growing that rather than trying to squeeze them into a mould, a very satisfying experience. We find and share best practices. I also love working with the other mentors who help interpret when in there is doubt. Palliative care is all about team, so this is an extension of that.”
Says Evelyn Makanda, General Manager of Lambano Sanctuary: “The APCC brings a wealth of expertise and experience. Their guidance has helped us navigate complex challenges, providing insights and best practices that we can apply directly to our work. Through the industry body, we’ve related to a vast network of professionals, these connections have opened doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and resources that have enhanced our day-to-day operations.”
Dr Skowronska concludes by explaining that palliative care is the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual care provided to persons living with a life-threatening illness. Care is offered from the point of diagnosis and extends to bereavement support if needed. Skowronska states that: “Palliative care is an international human right for all persons living with a life-threatening illness. We are honoured to work with our members to continue ensuring that we provide quality palliative care to all in South Africa. With Care beyond Service.”
ENDS
About the Standards for Palliative Healthcare Services
The APCC Standards are approved by the Council for Health Service Accreditation of Southern Africa (COHSASA) and the International Society for Quality Health Care (ISQua) and are updated every four years. The 4th edition of the STANDARDS FOR PALLIATIVE HEALTHCARE SERVICES are available free of charge to members and at a fee to anyone else. Please email: amanda@apcc.org.za to receive a free copy of the Standards and email buystandards@apcc.org.za for fee detail.
ABOUT THE APCC
Previously known as the Hospice Palliative Care Association (HPCA), the Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC) is a registered NPO in South Africa. Founded in 1987, the (now) APCC is a member organization for palliative care service providers, many of whom refer to themselves as hospices. As a national charity, the Association champions and supports 91 member organisations that provide palliative care services to approximately 40,000 people per year. APCC’s members are located across South Africa and care for patients with a variety of life-threatening conditions, predominantly in the comfort of their own homes.
About palliative care
Palliative care is the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual care provided by an inter-disciplinary team of experts to anyone with a life-threatening illness and their loved ones. Care is offered from the point of diagnosis and extends to bereavement support if needed. APCC members typically have a team that includes a medical doctor, professional nurse, social worker, counsellor, and home-based carers. All staff are trained in palliative care, which aims to ensure a quality of life for patients and to prevent and relieve unnecessary suffering.
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