After four months of intense renovations, Stellenbosch Hospice proudly announced the opening of its new 24-hour In Patient Unit at a recent launch, attended by over 150 guests comprising donors, funders and volunteers. Called the Butterfly Ward, this new five star unit provides holistic care to improve the quality of life of patients and their families facing life-threatening illnesses.
 

"In recent years the Hospice has experienced an overall increase in its patient load - from 90 to 700 daily patients in the past five years. Although the majority are cared for in the privacy of their own homes, we also need to provide professional care on a 24-hour basis at a central venue for the most ill, hence the decision to establish this new 10-bed unit"; says Hospice manager Geraldine Nicol. "We are thrilled with the end result, which would not have been possible without the commitment and support of our sponsors. We have been blessed with so much goodwill, but would specifically like to thank the Department of Health, Global Fund, Het Jan Marais Trust, Volkskombuis and the Stellenbosch community, who have worked tirelessly in partnership with us over the past several months to make this beautiful new ward possible for the benefit of our patients".
 

The new ward is located on the ground floor of the Hospice, which is based next to Stellenbosch Hospital in Merriman Avenue. For further information visit www.stellenboschhospice.org.za