Zimbabwe appeal: Island Hospice in Bulawayo
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Even though it exists to effectively manage the consequences of debilitating terminal diseases, Island Hospice has sadly, itself, become a victim of a whole raft of ailments.
The Bulawayo service, established in 1981, offers palliative homecare and support to cancer patients throughout the city. Besides this, it also provides assistance and counseling to any bereaved persons.
It attempts to disseminate palliative care principles amongst other health workers (e.g. through lectures to student nurses), and gives training to its own personnel, while also running courses for like- minded organisations at their own expense, or through donors.
Grounds at the local office present a magnificent view, with meticulously kept lawns, pretty flowering bushes and a nicely paved fore-court. Indeed the place strikes one as being very well managed.
Sadly though, this is where gushing praise must be laid aside, and the ugly underlying facts exposed.
Island Hospice Bulawayo is dying ……. wasting away through the effects of ten bad years, characterised by an economy in freefall, plummeting moral values and the disregard of social norms. In order for the ailing organisation to survive, a massive injection of government sensitivity, public interest and donor commitment will have to be introduced into its system soon with utmost urgency.
One administrator, a social worker, 3 nurses and 2 general hands make up the entire staff complement at the Bulawayo office, a fraction of former levels. They have the daunting task of achieving that which a considerably greater work force once managed. As things stand, lack of decent funding has depleted coffers and forced the slashing of working hours, while normal delivery of services have had to be curtailed. Nurses salaries are supplemented by donations from the corporate world. Today only 7 companies out of an original 23 can honour their obligations in this regard.
Administrator, Peggy Schonken, would, under normal circumstances, have an assistant to help with her duties, but since having to let the receptionist go, in June this year, she has had to contend with running a one woman office. Yet in spite of being tasked with these seemingly insurmountable challenges, Peggy comes through as a cheerfully capable manager. The fact that she has to worry about replacing or repairing aging and rundown office equipment, bicycles which have given up the ghost, or staff cars ready for the wreckers, appear unable to dent the aura of optimism exuding from this remarkable person. Her caregivers also take these difficulties wonderfully in their stride.
Bulawayo Island Hospice provides its essential services to 77 patients city-wide. Many of these are poor and unable to pay for treatment. Turning an indifferent eye to their plight would be tantamount to denying the fact that we are all potential cancer victims, who may soon need services offered by this incredible organization.
A realistic rescue operation is, no doubt, quite feasible. It begins with every one of us, in business or just as individuals, selflessly digging deeper into our pockets and ensuring that Island Hospice will be there for all who are in need of the wonderful relief offered through this vital body.
The Zimbabwe Development Democracy Trust (ZDDT), which encourages local community resuscitation projects and supporting ideals, would be a most willing partner in the restoration of the service.
Indeed, it is ready to assist where ever this is possible, starting with an impassioned plea to the general public to come forward in a bid to rescue Island Hospice.
Even though it exists to effectively manage the consequences of debilitating terminal diseases, Island Hospice has sadly, itself, become a victim of a whole raft of ailments.
The Bulawayo service, established in 1981, offers palliative homecare and support to cancer patients throughout the city. Besides this, it also provides assistance and counseling to any bereaved persons.
It attempts to disseminate palliative care principles amongst other health workers (e.g. through lectures to student nurses), and gives training to its own personnel, while also running courses for like- minded organisations at their own expense, or through donors.
Grounds at the local office present a magnificent view, with meticulously kept lawns, pretty flowering bushes and a nicely paved fore-court. Indeed the place strikes one as being very well managed.
Sadly though, this is where gushing praise must be laid aside, and the ugly underlying facts exposed.
Island Hospice Bulawayo is dying ……. wasting away through the effects of ten bad years, characterised by an economy in freefall, plummeting moral values and the disregard of social norms. In order for the ailing organisation to survive, a massive injection of government sensitivity, public interest and donor commitment will have to be introduced into its system soon with utmost urgency.
One administrator, a social worker, 3 nurses and 2 general hands make up the entire staff complement at the Bulawayo office, a fraction of former levels. They have the daunting task of achieving that which a considerably greater work force once managed. As things stand, lack of decent funding has depleted coffers and forced the slashing of working hours, while normal delivery of services have had to be curtailed. Nurses salaries are supplemented by donations from the corporate world. Today only 7 companies out of an original 23 can honour their obligations in this regard.
Administrator, Peggy Schonken, would, under normal circumstances, have an assistant to help with her duties, but since having to let the receptionist go, in June this year, she has had to contend with running a one woman office. Yet in spite of being tasked with these seemingly insurmountable challenges, Peggy comes through as a cheerfully capable manager. The fact that she has to worry about replacing or repairing aging and rundown office equipment, bicycles which have given up the ghost, or staff cars ready for the wreckers, appear unable to dent the aura of optimism exuding from this remarkable person. Her caregivers also take these difficulties wonderfully in their stride.
Bulawayo Island Hospice provides its essential services to 77 patients city-wide. Many of these are poor and unable to pay for treatment. Turning an indifferent eye to their plight would be tantamount to denying the fact that we are all potential cancer victims, who may soon need services offered by this incredible organization.
A realistic rescue operation is, no doubt, quite feasible. It begins with every one of us, in business or just as individuals, selflessly digging deeper into our pockets and ensuring that Island Hospice will be there for all who are in need of the wonderful relief offered through this vital body.
The Zimbabwe Development Democracy Trust (ZDDT), which encourages local community resuscitation projects and supporting ideals, would be a most willing partner in the restoration of the service.
Indeed, it is ready to assist where ever this is possible, starting with an impassioned plea to the general public to come forward in a bid to rescue Island Hospice.