The annual HPCA Conference was held from the 1–3 September at the Sibaya Conference Centre near Umhlanga Rocks, KZN. Close to 500 people attended the conference from all over South Africa and this included a few from overseas. The theme of the conference was “Sharing the care” which was in line with our goal of forming partnerships with other organisations who are striving to provide better health care for all in our country. The conference commenced with the opening reception on Tuesday evening with the MEC of Health for KZN - Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo giving the opening address. Others who addressed the conference delegates were Ms Jill Derderian the US Consulate and Mr Dumisani Gandhi from the Canadian International Development Agency.
The plenary speakers included representatives from many of HPCA partners which included Department of Correctional Services, Bigshoes, CANSA, and NACOSA. HPCA values the partnership with partner organisations and all were encouraged to work together as we all strive to provide better healthcare to all in our country. USAID, who is our main funder, was represented by Malik Jaffer and Thobi Finger. In his plenary speech, Malik reminded all delegates of the importance of HPCA being involved in the goal of strengthening the health systems in all the provinces.
The conference programme this year took on a different format which included a number of interactive workshops which encouraged discussion and debate from the delegates and some included a presentation after which a panel answered questions. The varied tracks which were representative of 7 HPCA portfolios – Patient Care, Paediatric Palliative Care, Organisational Development, Advocacy, Education & Research, MER, Finance & Resource Development. The TB task team and partnership programmes were well represented in the programme as well. The delegates left feeling inspired through sharing more knowledge and skills and returned to their place of work better equipped to deal with palliative care. Most important of all is that all our patients would benefit from the enriched knowledge of better care.
The HPCA conference culminated in a grand Gala dinner. The highlight of the evening was having HPCA brand ambassador Lucas Radebe and Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo as guests of honour to present various awards. HPCA 5 Star certificates were presented to fully accredited hospices and certificates for completion of the first HPCA Management Development Programme were presented to successful candidates. After the awards all enjoyed an evening of good food, music and dancing.
MISSION STATEMENT
To Promote quality in life, dignity in death and support in bereavement for all living with a life-threatening illness by supporting member hospices and partner organisations.
PATIENT CARE & TUBERCULOSIS
Tuberculosis is a curable disease but sadly in South
Africa it is a leading cause of death in people who are co-infected with
HIV. The member organisations of the Hospice Palliative Care Association
(HPCA) provide care and support to large numbers of people living with HIV
and are ideally placed to make a significant contribution towards addressing
the TB crisis in our country. Read more 
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