TAWAU: Persatuan Hospis Tawau, Sabah has expanded its services to include non-cancer patients requiring palliative care resulting in higher number of home care patients.
Its chairlady Madam Gayline Ong Ah Kiat said the majority of patients are referred by Tawau Hospital and some are walk-in.
The association’s two nurses, assisted by a retired volunteer nurse, provide services to about 200 home-based patients on average per month.
Gayline was speaking at the 27th annual general meeting at Rumah Hospis Tan Sri Lau Gek Poh here, recently, attended by 33 members.
The Home Care Team currently serves patients residing within a 30km radius, extending as far as Merotai, Sg Imam, Wakuba and Mile 15 Apas.
To enhance service efficiency and ensure safety of personnel, the association acquired a new Perodua Aruz vehicle last August.
The association expressed its deepest gratitude to Volunteers Sister Ivy Wong, Madam Peggy Loo and Madam Preaziah Singkong, for their dedication and involvement in home visits.
Special appreciation was also extended to Dr Ng Wan Jun, Palliative Specialist from Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, for her visits and ongoing support for home care patients.
The invaluable contributions of Vice Chairman, Dr Tong Yan Yee, who serves as the advisor for the Home Care Programme, and dedication of manager, Madam Ernestina Padua, were acknowledged.
“Persatuan Hospis Tawau, Sabah, continues to provide essential medical equipment on a loan basis free to cancer patients.
Equipment is also made available to non-cancer patients, subject to availability.
The most requested items include hospital beds, oxygen concentrators, and wheelchairs. To meet the growing demand, the association procured 10 new hospital beds and 15 new oxygen concentrators in 2024.
“The association’s annual Specialist Clinic Day remains one of its flagship initiatives. This programme invites specialist doctors and nurses from Tawau Hospital to conduct free health screenings at the hospice centre. Screenings include breast examinations and PAP Smear tests, vision and ENT (ear, nose, and throat) assessments, as well as blood pressure and glucose tests.
“2024 saw an encouraging response with approximately 180 participants registering for screenings. A total of 111 screening cases were referred to Tawau Hospital for further evaluation and diagnosis.
“Many patients expressed their gratitude, as early detection through this initiative enabled them timely medical intervention,” Gayline said.
As a non-profit organisation, Persatuan Hospis Tawau, Sabah, relies primarily on public donations to sustain its operations.
The association encourages individuals and organisations to contribute financially or participate as volunteers to help continue its mission of serving the community.
For further inquiries or to support the association, contact Persatuan Hospis Tawau, Sabah (tel: 089-711515, h/p: 013-8851248).