CHoiCe Trust has opened a Centre of Care in Tzaneen for patients who need inpatient palliative and supportive care.
The Centre is based in the existing frail-care facility at Macadamia Village and was established in partnership with Macadamia Care, which has nearly three decades of experience providing care. It will accommodate patients who require intensive palliative care and symptom management that cannot easily be provided at home.
, a member of the Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC), has worked in Limpopo since 1997. It was initially established to promote health services for farm workers and later expanded its work into rural communities.
The organisation now runs health and development programmes in the Mopani and Capricorn districts. Its work includes training and mentoring community carers, supporting vulnerable households and helping people access services provided by the Departments of Health and Social Development.
CHoiCe Trust began providing palliative care in 2007, primarily through home visits to patients referred by the Department of Health. This allows people to receive care in familiar surroundings, with support for pain and other symptoms.
Expanding support
The Centre of Care introduces an inpatient option for patients whose needs cannot be managed adequately at home.
“For many years, we have supported patients within their homes and communities. The launch of the Centre of Care allows us to strengthen and expand this support for people who require more intensive care and symptom management,” said CHoiCe Trust Director Nikki Stuart-Thompson.
Limited access to palliative care in Limpopo
Access to dedicated palliative care services remains limited in Limpopo, particularly outside Polokwane. Until the Centre opened, CHoiCe Trust largely delivered palliative care services in people’s homes. Patients in and around Tzaneen can now also be admitted for clinical care and symptom management closer to where they live.
“Palliative care is about improving quality of life, providing dignity, and ensuring that patients and families do not walk difficult journeys alone,” Stuart-Thompson said.
The new Centre will operate alongside CHoiCe Trust’s home-based programme, allowing the organisation to support patients at home where possible and admit those who need a higher level of care.
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