south coast hospice tree of remembrance
TRANSCRIPT
Volume , Issue
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The Tree of Remembrance has real meaning for those
that are grieving. Knowing that somewhere their loved
one’s name is shining on brings healing, and
compliments the work of the Grief and Bereavement
Team. The Tree represents Life and that, despite
sadness, there is always growth.
With this idea in mind, we explored many places
around the hospice looking to find the perfect spot; a
place that needed a loving touch. One place in
particular was the small courtyard where the patients
would sit, finding a quiet place in the sun; a space for
thought and contemplation. This courtyard needed
something ‘unique and appropriate’ and it was the
perfect setting for the Tree of Remembrance.
“It came to my mind that I would like to grow a tree in
the court yard. A painted tree against the courtyard
wall. A tree that we the staff, the patients, their loved
ones and friends could add to, leaf by leaf. A tree
whose leaves would shimmer in the sunlight and could
still be seen on the darkest day.” said Diane van Dyk.
With that picture in mind, a well trusted artist was
called on, who immediately understood the concept and brought it to life.
On the painted tree, each leaf has a space for a small plaque for family members, on the
death of their loved one and in their own time, to choose a leaf on which to place their
plaque. A simple ceremony is arranged, a gentle word, a pot of tea, a place provided for
love, compassion and remembrance. These lovingly placed plaques create a shimmer as
you look at the tree reminding the staff, patients and their families of the beauty of life.
“The tree, which is outside the Haven of Peace, brings a meaning to all those who visit
the hospice,” says Diane. “Many people find it difficult returning to the hospice after a
loved one has died. However, coming back to choose a leaf and stand in ceremony,
brings much comfort and affirmation to the bereaved and to the dedicated team who
care for every patient, and the family, with love and compassion.”
If you would like to honour the memory of a loved one, through a plaque on the Tree of
Remembrance, please contact BT King 039 682 3031 | 082 728 0233 |
South Coast Hospice Tree of Remembrance
Artist Duncan Shoesmith
Children’s Palliative Care
Page 2
It is a common myth that
hospice care and palliative
care is associated only with
the elderly and ageing.
Hospice care and palliative
care is specialized care for
patients, and their families,
facing life-threatening
illnesses, through the
prevention and relief of
suffering.
Life threatening illnesses do
not discriminate– they can
affect anyone at anytime,
including children.
‘For many people, the
thought of children suffering
or dying is something that
cannot be imagined or faced.
The reality is, however, that
many children in South
Africa and in the rest of
the world do suffer and
die from a wide variety
of conditions. Those
caring for them need an
understanding of
palliative care and the
issues specific to
palliative care for
children,’ says Joan
Marston author of
Children’s Palliative
Care in South Africa The
Facts. Too many South
African children requiring
pediatric palliative care die
in poor conditions, without
adequate relief from
distressing symptoms. The
children usually die in
hospitals, and rarely in their
own home with the care and
support of their family.
The International Children’s
Palliative Care Network
defines palliative care for
children as a response to the
suffering and unique needs
of each child with a life-
limiting or life-threatening
condition. It is a holistic,
professional and active
approach to caring that
includes pain and symptom
management.
The purpose of a child’s stay
in a hospice can differ,
depending on their
particular needs. In some
cases the child and family
will receive ‘respite’ care,
helping provide both the
child and the family
members with a short break.
The child has a break from
their usual surroundings
and routines, and the family
from the often ’round-the-
clock’ responsibility of
caring for a child with a
complex, life-limiting or life-
threatening condition. Some
will enter a hospice to allow
the multidisciplinary team
to stabilise pain and/or other
distressing symptoms and
others will choose to use a
hospice for end of life care.
With the support of our
community, the multi
disciplinary team at South
Coast Hospice offers
specialized palliative care to
many children and youth
across our various programs.
The Rainbow Room at South Coast
Hospice which is used for children’s
palliative care.
Page 3
TB Awareness
When is World TB Day?
Every year World TB Day is recognized on March 24.
Why March 24?
On this day, in 1882, Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery
of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacillus that causes tuberculosis
(TB).
TB is still one of the top ten leading causes of death and kills thousands
of people in South Africa and around the world.
It’s Time to know your TB status.
Complete this TB Screening Tool Questionnaire. If you answer ‘YES’ to one or more
Thank You
‘In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant
friends.’
Okakura Kakuzo
Thank you to our monthly debit order donors who
contribute to the sustainability of South Coast Hospice
on a regular basis.
Monthly debit orders and donations, allow South Coast
Hospice to forecast its sustainability, ensuring that the
organisation continues to provide compassionate
palliative care and support to the many who need
services.
If you would like to become a regular donor and help
us to continue serving the community, please contact
BT King 082 728 0233 | [email protected]
One patient that touched my heart was a young lady of 35 with Cervical Cancer. Even on her last days
on earth, she was determined as ever. She had a positive spirit from start to finish. Even on her last days
on earth, she still managed to have this self-confidence, cheerful spirit in her, in spite of having lived with
this struggle from this illness for years.
Silindile Cele Enrolled Nurse in Kingfisher House IPU
Last Thoughts
Kingfisher Hospice Charity Shop
Bisset Street
(between SARS and the
Lifestyle Centre)
Trading Hours
Mon—Fri: 8:00 - 16:00
Sat: 8:00—12:00
29 Connor Street, Port Shepstone
PO Box 504, Port Shepstone,4240
Tel: +27 (0) 39 682 3031
Fax: +27 (0) 39 682 5391
www.southcoasthospice.co.za
NPO Reg. No: 002-411 NPO
PBO 930002132
Banking Details
South Coast Hospice Association
Nedbank Cheque Account
1398023256
Branch Code 198765
Swift Code NEDSZAJJ
Reference: ‘Your Name’
Donation Drop Off Points
Port Shepstone Hospice Charity Shop Bisset Street Port Shepstone South Coast Hospice 29 Connor Street Ramsgate The Property Circle Shop 2 Erf 623 Marine Drive Uvongo PC Help Computers Marine Drive Port Edward Paul Preston Attorneys & Conveyancers Main Road Southport Property Port next to the Post Office Umtentweni The Costume Party Shop JTV Centre Hibberdene Homemade with Heart Corner of Capri Crescent and Riviera
Cancer Screening Clinic
Pap Smear R180
PSA (prostate test for men) R180
PAP Smear (LBC) R250
Skin screening R60
Clinical Breast Examination R60
Clinic held every
Wednesday.
South Coast
Hospice
29 Connor Street
Alternate month clinics held at:
Margate Ret. Village
039 312 5315
Leza Edwards
Booking is Essential
039 682 3031
This newsletter is dedicated to
all our
patients, their
families and their caregivers.
“Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only
slipped away into the next room. Nothing has
happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am
I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so
fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever
we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the
old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which
you always used. Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as
we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed
together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my
name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost
of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and
unbroken continuity. What is this death but a
negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you,
for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the
corner. All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we
meet again!”
Death is Nothing at All by Henry Scott Holland