Joy and jubilation rang out as Hospice East Rand unveiled its new name at its offices in Kemston Avenue, Benoni, on February 28.
Gathering in the hall, staff, volunteers and the executive committee celebrated the name change to East Rand Palliative Care (ERPC), which has been in the pipeline since 2023.
“We have been serving patients facing life-limiting and life-threatening diseases as well as their families, with compassion, dedication and specialised care, since 1986,” said committee chairperson, Con Roux.
“We have come a long way. We went from offering concentrated hospice care, which is commonly associated with end-of-life care, to branching out into comprehensive and holistic palliative care.
“This approach extended our reach in providing dedicated care to those facing uncertain health related battles from the point of diagnosis, through to specialist treatment programmes and, where needed, hospice care.”
Following a resounding applause, Roux reminded those in attendance that this is the third name change the organisation has undergone in its rich history.
“During the early 1980s, we were known as St Joseph’s but the name was subsequently changed to Hospice East Rand, as we serve all spheres of the community,” he said.
East Rand Palliative Care (ERPC) committee members Brenda Bisschoff and Hilton Volkwyn cut into a cake to celebrate the Hospice East Rand name change.
“We are excited about the new journey that we are embarking on. We have no illusions thinking we will not face challenges but our commitment to offering professional home-based care remains unchanged.”
Commending the medical doctors, nurses and social workers who work tirelessly to ensure that each patient receives tailor-made care, Roux said that their representation within the community ensures that those in need know where to turn for help.
In conclusion, the committee thanked all those who continue to support the organisation either through sponsorship, donating or supporting the nine Hospice charity shops within Ekurhuleni.
“This all makes it possible for us to do what we are passionate about, serving with care,” he said.
“We would like to remind the community that the Hospice shops will continue to operate under the previous name and that all funds raised through sales will supplement ERPC’s fundraising efforts.”
Abegail Els, one of the organisation’s social workers, ushered in the name change by reading a poem she had written, titled Honouring the past, embracing the future:
Hospice, a name that held our hands,A beacon in life’s shifting sands.It whispered comfort, eased the pain,Brought peace like a gentle rain.Through years of care, of love so deep,It stood beside us as we weep.Not just in endings, but in grace,A sacred, tender, healing space.Now comes a name both broad and wide,Still filled with warmth, still by your side.Palliative — whole, complete and true,A promise strong, yet nothing new.The care remains, the heart still here,The hands that soothe, the words sincere.Though change may come, our mission stays,To light your path in tender ways.So we honour what has been,And welcome all that lies within.Not just in memory, but in deed,A legacy of love we heed.
Hospice East Rand has officially changed its name to East Rand Palliative Care (ERPC) but remains committed to offering unwavering care and support to patients with life-limiting and life-threatening diseases from the time of diagnosis. Seen here are Hilton Volkwyn, Sandra Mullen, Dr Elsie Mugisha, Branda Bisschoff, Sr Sindisiwe Mdlalose, Dawn Wakefield and Con Roux.
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