
Palliative care, a journey for those facing uncertainty
Receiving a life-threatening or life-limiting diagnosis is an emotional journey which affects patients and their loved ones.
Life-altering news can potentially derail those involved, as they navigate through feelings of grief, shock, denial, anger and sadness.
'These feelings are natural and can arise at any point; from diagnosis, during treatment or even after recovery,' said Jonquil Siepman, liaison for East Rand Palliative (ERPC), formerly known as Hospice East Rand.
Also Read: Meet St Francis Care Centre's new chairperson
'It is important that families who are also affected come to terms with the uncertainty and the realities of supporting a loved one through their healthcare journey.
'Leaning on the emotional and spiritual support of a team of compassionate carers, is as important as managing physical symptoms.'
ERPC offers palliative care and support programmes, in the comfort of your home from the moment of diagnosis.
'Palliative care services are not limited to end of life care,' explained Siepman.
'Palliative care works in partnership with treating doctors or specialists throughout the treatment process, assisting in improving quality of life, addressing pain, discomfort, emotional distress and spiritual concerns.'
The ERPC team includes a doctor, nursing sisters, care workers and social workers who provide holistic support to both patients and those nearest to them.
'Whether through pain management, symptom control, counselling, grief support or simply being there to talk, we walk alongside you throughout the journey,' she said.
For more information or to reach out for support, contact ERPC on 011 422 1531, visit www.erpc.org.za, or follow them on Facebook.
Also Read: Become a hospice volunteer
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Hospital seeks public's help to locate families of two deceased patients
Hospital seeks public's help to locate families of two deceased patients The Madadeni Regional Hospital is urgently appealing for public assistance in locating the families of two deceased patients identified as Zeaneth Mthembu and Mandla Kunene. According to the hospital's Public Relations Department, Zeaneth Mthembu was a 28-year-old female, and she passed away on February 25. 'She was referred to us by Newcastle PHC Clinic on February 21. We have tried to trace her family by sending our community health workers to Bothaspass Farm but have not been able to find them,' said the hospital's public relations officer. Mandla Kunene was a 63-year-old male, and he passed away on December 2, 2024. The hospital has tried phoning his daughters, known as Slindi and Zanele, but neither of their cellphone numbers appear to be working. If you know Zeaneth Mthembu and Mandla Kunene or are able to assist in locating their relatives, please contact the Madadeni Provincial Hospital Public Relations Department on 034 328 8043/8133 or email The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550). At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
CANSA launches online support network for cancer survivors
Each June, global attention turns to the impact of cancer on survivors, their caregivers, loved ones, families, and others within their support circle. Often, these individuals simply need someone to talk to about their cancer journey. The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) has launched a new online platform, offering yet another way to connect people to caring cancer communities. This month, people around the world honour those facing cancer and recognise the importance of a supportive community. 'Many cancer survivors report feeling isolated from the moment they are diagnosed,' said Gretchen Minnaar, Cansa's services manager: psychosocial support. 'They often find that friends, colleagues, and even some family members avoid them, rather than offering comfort or simply being present.' Furthermore, a survivor's need for support does not end with a clean bill of health. Many face long-term challenges, including fear of recurrence, depression, pain, memory problems, changes in bodily functions, and relationship issues. Cansa provides extensive support to survivors and others affected by this devastating disease—and the need is significant. Each year, over 115 000 South Africans are diagnosed with cancer, according to the South African National Cancer Registry. Many more cases go unreported or unregistered. To help meet this growing need, Cansa has launched a virtual support group to expand the reach of its existing services, which include face-to-face support groups as well as Facebook and WhatsApp support groups across South Africa. ALSO CHECK: DEMS intensifies winter safety awareness across Ekurhuleni The new virtual support group, launched on May 24, is facilitated by Cansa and held monthly via Zoom. Managed by trained counsellors, each session covers different topics in a relaxed, supportive environment that encourages engagement and input from survivors. Cansa's WhatsApp support groups operate both nationally and regionally. Regional groups are limited to patients in specific areas, while national groups cater to bereavement, caregiver, and newly diagnosed patient support. Additional groups are available for women survivors, men survivors, ostomy patients, and teens aged 13 to 17. On Facebook, Cansa runs three support groups: * Cancer Survivors – Champions of Hope (for cancer survivors in treatment or remission) * Caring for the Caregivers (for caregivers of cancer patients) * TLC – Childhood Cancer Support (for children and their parents/guardians affected by cancer) * Survivor Wendy de Rooij noted that more treatment facilities should inform patients about Cansa's support groups. 'I would not have found my amazing group if it weren't for a desperate late-night Google search,' she said. 'These people have given me far more practical information than any other healthcare group I've encountered since my cancer journey began.' The support groups encourage members to share their stories. 'Interacting with people who understand your lived experience is an invaluable form of support. It's so beneficial to hear about the coping strategies of someone who has been—or is currently—in the same situation as you,' added Minnaar. ALSO CHECK: Germiston audience inspired by blind man's Kilimanjaro climb Ovarian cancer survivor Rina van der Merwe shared that during her treatment and recovery, Cansa's support groups always gave her a safe space to talk. 'And reading about other warriors' journeys also helped me a lot,' she said. Cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, family members, and others affected by cancer can join one of these groups by completing a form on Cansa's website at Support is currently available in English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, and isiZulu. The organisation remains committed to connecting people facing cancer with vital information, day-to-day assistance, and emotional support—ensuring no one has to face cancer alone. Please note: • Patients, survivors, and others affected by cancer must contact Cansa directly for support. • Cansa is not informed of patient treatment by medical centres and requires patient permission to make contact. • Cansa does not provide treatment. • Cansa is not authorised to prescribe or supply medication. • Cansa's clinical specialist nurse offers free advice on managing cancer, pain, and treatment side effects. For more information or to seek support, visit At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The Citizen
11 hours ago
- The Citizen
Efforts to mobilise men against GBV and spread of HIV continue
Alexandra men are intensifying their mission to mobilise others, giving them a platform to address gender-based violence and the spread of HIV. This follows the inaugural sitting of the Men's Parliament under the theme 'Deepening accountability among men and boys to respond decisively to South African socio-economic challenges', on May 23 at the Constance Connie Bapela Council Chamber in Johannesburg. Read more: GBV Brigades and police meet ahead of major campaign The co-chairperson of the Men's Parliament Charles Mphephu said that ahead of its first sitting, outreach campaigns were conducted in the sub-district. Even after the first sitting of the parliament, he noted that efforts to expand their reach had intensified. 'On May 26, we started at Madala hostel, and we went to Nobuhle hostel to engage with those men. We moved to the Council at Pan next to the Alexandra Magistrates' Court. We were also at the Organic market and Last Gate in Tsutsumane, and we engaged with men,' Mphephu noted. Also read: Alex CPF concerned about GBV victims reluctance to press charges The goal is to help men change their harmful social behaviour, which exacerbates the rate of GBV and the spread of HIV. Speaking during the first sitting of the parliament, the secretary of the City of Johannesburg men's sector Sibusiso Sithole stressed that young men often lacked the support they needed compared to young women. 'We are forgetting that these young women will eventually date at some point. And the person they will be dating is the same person who was in high school with them, standing there in the corner and not receiving any support, not receiving any information around GBV or [HIV] treatment.' In his closing remarks, Mphehu urged men to make sure that every ward in their region supported this men's initiative. 'The vision is to institutionalise a responsive men's movement, and the mission is to call men to action, to stand up and be counted as relevant in building a men's society movement that is robust, accountable and follows the rules of law.' He concluded by the end of December, they planned to reach 3 500 men, and were currently approaching a milestone of 500. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Community safety stakeholders strategise for an effective GBV campaign At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!