Palliative Care for Children South Africa (PatchSA)

Palliative Care for Children South Africa (PatchSA) is a South African non-profit organisation and national network of healthcare providers, community and family members dedicated to improving the quality of life of children living with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses and supporting their families, caregivers and healthcare providers. Our tagline: People who care supporting people who care Using the acronym R-A-I-S-E PatchSA offers the following strategic resources, programmes and services: Resources: We develop and distribute relevant tools and educational materials (including textbooks, pain assessment tools, and care planning resources) to support best practices in children’s palliative care. Advocacy & Policy Influence: We champion the right of every child to access quality palliative care and work to influence health policies to integrate palliative care into child health services across the country. Information & Networking: We provide information, referrals and networking opportunities, connecting families, healthcare workers and organisations involved in children’s palliative care. Support for Families & Caregivers: We offer a supportive network for healthcare providers, families caring for children with life-threatening conditions, caregivers, and bereaved parents, emphasising the need for holistic, compassionate care from diagnosis through death and into bereavement. Education & Training: Through Patch Academy, an online learning platform, we offer evidence-based training and CPD accredited courses for professionals and caregivers working with children with serious illnesses and conditions. Our introduction course is mandatory for medical students in four South African universities. Our comprehensive courses on perinatal and paediatric palliative care attract healthcare providers from countries around the world. PatchSA’s work aims to ensure that palliative care is recognised and provided as a vital and essential part of health care for children across South Africa.