Marking World Hospice and Palliative Care Day

KNYSNA - Last week, Knysna Sedgefield Hospice joined global efforts to raise awareness for palliative care with a bit of fun and a lot of heart.

Staff, volunteers and supporters donned their favourite hats in support of HatsOn4CPC, a campaign to raise awareness for children's palliative care, and the 2025 international charity competition.

According to Hilary Grey, CEO of Knysna Sedgefield Hospice, the cause is a personal one for many in the community. "Children's palliative care is close to all our hearts. It's about more than medicine - it's about compassion, dignity, and making sure no child suffers alone."

Children's Palliative Care Day was celebrated on 10 October and coincided with World Hospice Day, which was celebrated by Knysna Sedgefield Hospice on 11 October under the global theme "Achieving the Promise: Universal access to palliative care".

"The theme highlights the ongoing need to ensure that everyone, regardless of age or income, receives the care they need when facing life-limiting illness.

Knysna Sedgefield Hospice has been a beacon of this promise in the local community for nearly four decades," added Grey. With fully trained palliative care professionals, their team delivers care that goes beyond physical treatment.

They offer emotional, social and spiritual support for patients and families from diagnosis to bereavement.

"Palliative care is not just about dying," a hospice nurse shared. "It's about living as fully and comfortably as possible - for as long as possible, with the right support."

As South Africa grapples with high burdens of disease, Knysna continues to show what's possible when communities come together to ensure no one suffers in silence.

Hospice calls on the public to support their work, speak up for palliative care, and remember: dignity in care is a right, not a luxury.

From left are Knysna Sedgefield Hospice housekeeper Aretha Notshulwana, gardener John Mangiza, clinical assistant Jordia Pegram, receptionist Connie Sampani, social worker Marline Louw and clinical manager Sr Hannelie Pienaar.

Sr Tammy-Kay Minnie of Knysna Provincial Hospital and Sr Hilary Grey of Knysna Sedgefield Hospice.

Knysna Sedgefield Hospice volunteers, clinical staff and nurses donned funky hats in aid of HatsOn4CPC day on 10 October. The team also celebrated World Hospice day on 11 October.