McCord Hospital Siyaphila HIV Clinic - Sponsor A Bed For A Day

McCord Hospital, in Durban, South Africa, invites the public to make a meaningful difference in assisting recovering patients without financial means, by sponsoring one or more "bed days" at their Siyaphila ("We are Well") Clinic thereby ensuring the patient has access to the services of this remarkable facility.

Siyaphila helps individuals to be physically and psycho-socially rehabilitated so that they can go home and function independently to resume their jobs and responsibilities

Before patients return home, Siyaphila staff ensure that the patients' families are prepared and equipped for the care of the patient at home.

Durban, South Africa (PRWEB) October 2, 2008 -- McCord Hospital, in Durban, South Africa, invites the public to make a meaningful difference in assisting recovering patients without financial means, by sponsoring one or more "bed days" at their Siyaphila ("We are Well") Clinic thereby ensuring the patient has access to the services of this remarkable facility.

Siyaphila provides "step-down care" for HIV patients, serving as a half-way house between hospital and home. It provides a service to patients who no longer require acute interventions but who are simply not well enough to be cared for optimally outside of a hospital setting. The intensive ten to 14 day programme aims to help patients and families through this transition period yet many families are not able to raise the funds for this imperative stage of the treatment programme.

A contribution of R500 ($60) for the treatment of a patient for one day will provide a wide range of holistic care that is integral to recovery. Medical care assists recovery from opportunistic infections that may occur due to a suppressed immune system and also prepares the patient for anti-retroviral therapy. Physical rehabilitation allows for a speedier recovery, and ongoing counseling is given about HIV care and treatment. Spiritual caregivers support the family and patient throughout the stay, and support is offered for issues surrounding the acceptance of HIV status and the psychosocial problems that arise from having a life-threatening disease.

Within the last two years McCord Hospital has admitted approximately 1200 patients to Siyaphila. The bed occupancy is currently around 50% but with assisted funding it could be raised to 100%, allowing much improved recovery for more patients.

"Siyaphila helps individuals to be physically and psycho-socially rehabilitated so that they can go home and function independently to resume their jobs and responsibilities," says Dr Henry Sunpath, Head of Medicine at McCord Hospital, and a consultant family physician in HIV medicine. "Before patients return home, Siyaphila staff ensure that the patients' families are prepared and equipped for the care of the patient at home."

For more information, or to donate, go to McCord Hospital

Telephone Contacts:

Meryl Booth
+27 31 268 5869

Karen Moodley
+27 31 268 5828

Issued By
Kate Nelson UNISA (University of South Africa) Student
Durban, South Africa

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