HOPE - A programme of holistic care
Sister Sandy Walters from the University of KwaZulu-Natal's
Campus Health Clinic in Pietermaritzburg told HIVAN
team members, Tanja Arntz and Debbie Heustice, that
the Clinic provides a message of hope for students and
staff who are infected with HIV/AIDS. "We aim to
ensure that students and staff realise that a positive
HIV test does not mean an immediate death sentence,
and that with an optimistic attitude, correct diet and
a suitable treatment package, they can lead a productive,
full and happy life".
The Campus Health Clinic offers free rapid-result HIV
testing in conjunction with pre- and post-test counselling,
and has close links with the Student Counselling Centre
on the campus to assist with long-term counselling.
Of particular interest is Sister Walter's inspirational
follow-up approach of "HOPE"
- standing for Help,
Ongoing Support,
Proactive/Positive
and Empathy.
In terms of help, people living with HIV are
referred to the Communicable Disease Clinic at both
Grey's and Edendale Hospitals for CD4-count monitoring.
The Campus Health Clinic staff also provide advice and
information on nutrition and diet for building up the
body's immune system. "We are offering our patients
a new product called "Africa's Solution",
says Sister Walters.
Formulated by a pathologist from the University of
the Free State, Dr Chris Barnard, this multi-vitamin
immune-booster helps to maintain the immune systems
of those exposed to high levels of stress, whether physical,
emotional or mental. "What makes this product so
valuable is that it is affordable and natural. One bottle
is sufficient for a month's treatment and costs R25-00",
says Sister Walters. Tuberculosis and HIV patients receive
this product from the Clinic free of charge. Other forms
of help offered by the Clinic are referrals to the Student
Counselling Centre for ongoing confidential, professional
counselling.
The "O"
in HOPE denotes the concept of ongoing support.
HIV-positive patients are scheduled for once-monthly
appointments, during which they are weighed and given
a month's supply of vitamins. "These visits assist
in boosting the morale of our patients", says Sister
Walters. The Clinic keeps a stock of TB drugs as well
as anti-bacterial drugs, but patients need to be referred
by a doctor to have this medication administered to
them.
The "P"
in HOPE stands for being proactive and positive.
Patients are encouraged to be take charge of their health,
and to visit the Clinic for a check-up as soon as they
notice changes in their bodies.
Finally, the "E"
in HOPE describes the attitude that the Clinic staff
strive to maintain towards their clients - empathy,
as opposed to "sympathy". Clinic and counselling
staff are trained to be non-judgemental and to truly
feel for their patients.
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