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30 September 2020 | Story Nitha Ramnath | Photo Supplied
SWSA represented by Mariné du Toit (left) and Lyshea Mapaike(right) at the handover of the funds raised

Sunflower Children’s Hospice, situated on the ground floor of the National District Hospital, is a non-profit organisation that provides care and compassion for all children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. As far as possible, the hospice aims to keep children within their families and communities, with relevant supervision and support.  However, the hospice is also a permanent residence to many children.

At Sunflower Children’s Hospice, children and their families are provided with:
• palliative care, including pain and symptom management;
• quality of life;
• relief of suffering;
• support for child and family/guardians;
• developmental stimulation;
• support during the bereavement period;
• dignity in death;
• community participation; and
• relevant training.

Due to limited funds, the hospice experiences many financial challenges, which motivated the Social Work Student Association (SWSA) to become involved. Their involvement led to the establishment of the ‘#Adoptaflower’ project by raising funds for the organisation and getting more Social Work students to spend time with the children, as they do not have enough caregivers at the house to give them the special personal attention that they need.  This project was spearheaded by Mariné du Toit, Portfolio Head: Community Upliftment of the SWSA. 

The fundraising initiative collected R1 300 from selling raffle tickets to the university community.  Due to COVID-19 and the lockdown period, it became impossible to proceed with the intention of the Social Work students to spend more time with the children.  

Besides Social Work students not being able to proceed with their intention of interacting more closely with the children concerned, the lockdown unfortunately also affected it negatively in other areas.  The hospice needs assistance with clothes, toiletries, and groceries. Sunflower House therefore needs funds and sponsors to continue providing services to so many children in need of care and support. For more information regarding public involvement, 051 448 3813 is the number to call. 

News Archive

Inaugural lecture focuses on spinal surgery
2005-07-25

  
 
Prof John Shipley, from the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of the Free State (UFS), will deliver his inaugural lecture on Wednesday 27 July 2005 at 19:00 in the CR Swart Auditorium on campus.  

The topic of the lecture is The intervertebral disc:  Past, present and future. 

Prof Shipley studied medicine at the University of Cape Town.  He specialised in Orthopaedic Surgery at the UFS, qualifying in 1981.  He remained in the Department as a Consultant and was appointed Associate Professor in 1992.  Following a period of private practice in Bloemfontein, he was appointed Head of the Department of Orthopaedics in 2004.

He has specialised in spinal surgery and was chairman of the SA Spine Society in 1993 and 1998.  He serves on the Executive Committee of the SA Orthopaedic Association and the College of Surgeons of SA.  He was the South African ABC Traveling Fellow to North America in 1986 and has been the main author of two international and eight local publications and two textbook chapters.  He has delivered 28 presentations at congresses.

For any enquiries, please contact Ms Joan Nel at (051) 401-9301.

Media release

Issued by:  Lacea Loader
   Media Representative
   Tel:  (051) 401-2584
   Cell:  083 645 2454
   E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za

25 July 2005
 

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