Dr. Anne’s model of hospice care is simple, effective and appropiate for Uganda and Sub -Saharn Africa.

This is the model that is in place in Hospice Jinja.

Dr Frank and Dr Patricia with Dr Anne at the launch.

It is chance for patients to share their experiences. Nursing staff are on hand to discuss any aspect of their illness that may be a source of concern.

It also provides a welcome break for carers.

Much of the Hospice team’s work is carried out in outreach clinics, in the local hospital and home visitations. This involves travelling long distances each day.

The aim of the hospice is to improve the quality of life of patients and their families who face life threatening illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and cancer. The emphasis is  holistic approach to care by providing pain relief ( very effectively with liquid morphine), social and spiritual support, counselling and berevament after care.

During my stay I spent most of my time going to the outreach clinics and on home visitations. Outreach clinics are very basic with no medical facilities ,  running water or electricity. The team must carry all medications and hygiene washes.

It was a wonderful experience for me to be welcomed into the patients brick/mud huts. These houses are about the size of an average Irish kitchen.The families were always so welcoming to the hospice team and also so grateful for the help and medicines received. I felt so proud and humble to be part of this great hospice team. Though small in numbers great is the work carried out over a large area.

All the patients touched my heart but a few in particular made me cry

A 28 year old mother of three children, 6 months pregnant with a large fungating axillary tumour.

The 12 year old girl with HIV, mother dead, totally looking after her own needs.

A beautiful 6 year old boy with a huge lymphoma on his face and the tumour growing inwards between his teeth.

The 35 year old mother with ovarian cancer and a distended fungating abdomen , who one month previously had delivered a beautiful baby girl.

The common denominator in all the above cases is the word “YOUNG”.

I really enjoyed working with the hospice team of Shem, Christine, Marcellina, Ester, James , Irene, Newton, Drs Frank and Patricia. I would say you are “The Rays of Hope” in the lives of so many patients I have had the privilege  of meeting over my two weeks stay. I wish you well in your work.

I would say to anyone thinking of volunteering “Go for It”. If I can do it so can you.

I found the daily work at the hospice to be most interesting. The hospice staff aims to spread the word and the work of Palliative Care throughout the district, I saw their willingness to travel long distances to outreach clinics and home visits to reflect this aim. During my time at the hospice, I participated in patient care in a variety of settings: hospice appointments, day care, hospital visits, outreach clinics and home visits; as well as presenting at in-hospice education sessions. I contributed to Palliative Care team discussions on patient management, and offered my discipline- specific knowledge in the meeting the needs of patients with musculoskeletal pain, mobility deficits, breathlessness and respiratory difficulties and those presenting with lymphoedoma.

I enjoyed working with all members of hospice team and gained valuable insight into Palliative care services in a health care setting very different from home.

Overall, I enjoyed my time in Jinja , balancing work during the day with rest in the Ugandan sunshine, and would recommend the trip to anyone that is thinking of going! I wish all those involved with Hospice Jinja, including patients, staff and supporters all the best in the future.

Terry Hennessy is a consultant physician and cardiologist in the Mid-West Regional Hospitals in Ireland. John O’Dea is a consultant in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine in the same hospitals.

They were in awe of the dedication of the hospice team. The excellent standard of care provided to patients with very few resources was inspirational in their view. The photos provide a diary of the work undertaken by the hospice team.

They look forward to supporting the work of the hospice through fundraising and returning to work there again if required.

It was a wonderful day for the families and the staff. Each faith group was represented. Prayers were said and a candle was lit by a family member for the  deceased.

It will become an annual event.

We’re delighted to report that we have received several donations online over the past few months. Our supporters tell us they like the convenience and will tell their friends.

Please pass on the word! You can click “Donate Now” below to make a donation.

]]> http://hospicejinja.org/2009/08/donate-online-to-hospice-jinja/feed/ http://hospicejinja.org/2009/08/hospice-volunteers/ http://hospicejinja.org/2009/08/hospice-volunteers/#comments Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:02:18 +0000 Patricia Hassett http://hospicejinja.org/?p=200 Volunteers contribute significantly to Hospice Jinja. In the last three months the Hospice received many visitors and volunteers. At the beginning of this quarter we received Karen and Roberta from the Centre for Palliative Care - USA and Rose from…]]> Volunteers contribute significantly to Hospice Jinja. In the last three months the Hospice received many visitors and volunteers. At the beginning of this quarter we received Karen and Roberta from the Centre for Palliative Care - USA and Rose from PCAU.

Others were Fiona, a Registered nurse from the UK who came with Heather from Canada.  They stayed and worked with the Hospice team for 1 week.

During the same period, Anna, Sophie, Becky, Luke, and Laura all from UK also volunteered with us 3 days to 1 week each. All these were very helpful especially extending social support to our patients.

We’re always delighted when people volunteer and we can provide information about arrangements.  Contact us at info@hospicejinja.org

40 more community volunteers have received training in identifying patients and their families that would benefit from the hospice service.

They are the active link between hospice and the patients in their own communities.