MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) –A hospice, to provide in the need of local terminal patients, is to be established in town.

The president of the local Rotary International Club, Mr Johann du Plessis, announced that the provision of such a hospice was one of the main projects of Rotary for this year. Mr Du Plessis spoke at the annual sponsored Rotary Golf Day, held on Saturday and thanked sponsors who had contributed to an event, which netted an amount of more than R16 000.

In an interview, Mr Du Plessis disclosed that the need for a local hospice was investigated in cooperation with Mr Fanie Smuts, the chief executive officer of the hospice in Polokwane, which is the only facility available for local terminal cancer patients. The present situation causes severe inconvenience and high costs for local residents and their families.

The possibility to establish a local hospice at the existing private clinic in Makhado (Louis Trichardt) was already discussed with and accepted by the stakeholders of the Zoutpansberg Medi Clinic. Initially, a two- to three-bed facility is envisaged, which could be accommodated at the existing private clinic facility. Additional specialised staff and accommodation for family members will have to be considered in the future.

Mr Du Plessis says a budget and cost estimates will have to be completed, and Rotary will refer this to their district level, for a matching grant from Rotary International. The possibility to acquire the necessary equipment for such a hospice from overseas donors will also be investigated.