Developing a disease or condition that confines you to a hospital bed can be one of the most painful experiences in life. Our Patient Care Group (PCG) understand this very well and work tirelessly to lessen the burden of illness on patients and their families, by extending the hand of friendship and support to them. Generally, upon the request of those in the community, the volunteers visit patients in hospitals, hospices, nursing homes or their own homes, and also make themselves available for the patient’s family if required.
We endeavour to be available on a daily basis, and upon arriving at the patient’s or loved one’s location, we always offer a listening ear, comfort, consolation, companionship and even a prayer, if requested. For those who have been admitted into hospital, we aim to make their time there up until their discharge as smooth and comforting as possible. That is why we offer:
- Regular ward visits for in-patients
- One-to-one/group family support sessions
- Follow-up home visits, upon request
- Pastoral and spiritual support for all faith groups
As well as the above, the group organises special seminars to raise awareness and educate local communities about various health issues and how they can be prevented. High blood pressure for example – sometimes called the ‘silent killer’ – is the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes, and is a factor in kidney disease, dementia and some eye conditions.
The PCG has helped to organise various “Know Their Numbers” testing sessions across many of our locations in support of Blood Pressure Awareness week. In 2019, we hosted 11 stations in our HelpCentres and tested almost 900 people. We have held seminars on diabetes and sickle cell, amongst other diseases, and worked with the Caleb group to encourage better health for the elderly in our communities. The PCG has also visited hostels to donate toiletries, clothes and other items for the residents who are permanently sick.
If you are a patient or you know someone who has recently been admitted to hospital, you can contact the PCG to arrange a visit.