Palliative Care Department
“When you learn how to die, you learn how to live”
As one approaches the journey of life into death, professional support and advice in the last few months can be most beneficial for patient and family alike. The Palliative Care Department offers this support. Palliative care is for both young and old, facing illnesses like organ failure, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.
The unique ‘Abundant Life Palliative Care Centre’ at Victoria Hospital provides a place for patients to come to receive this support. The staff provide training and support for patients. Guiding patients to enrich their time with their families, building support groups and offering practical advice with patients’ administrative affairs, such as wills.
It has taken many years of tireless hard work, innovation, perseverance and dedication to make the ALPC centre the success it is today. The program was initially developed by Dr. Lindi van Niekerk and then adopted by Dr Cupido who leads the Centre to this day. In 2009 Sister Elizabeth Pitout joined Dr Cupido and served until her retirement in 2022.
ALPC is represented on the provincial palliative care task team and is involved in the writing of the first Guidelines for palliative care for Adults and Children.
To find out more about ALPC visit the website or facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/ALPCVH
The ALPC and Victoria Hospital are very grateful for the support and partnership of the Harry Crossley Foundation in this pioneering project as well as the endorsement and partnership with University of Cape Town as a teaching site.