A new team comprising of Hospice and Provincial hospital staff was formed on 8 August 2015 to improve the care of patients.
This follows a recognition that closer co-operation could prevent patients from “falling between the cracks”.
The Knysna and Plett hospice staff now joins ward rounds in order to make sure that a discharge plan includes referral to hospice where appropriate. There are also regular meetings where palliative care management plans are jointly discussed. This includes putting in place plans for patients who frequently have emergency hospital admissions.
This exciting project followed a palliative care training course offered by hospice for provincial hospital staff. The multidisciplinary team includes doctors, nurses, social workers, a pharmacist and a spiritual support person. We look forward to optimising the care of patients and the most appropriate use of resources as a result of improved team work.