Kheth’Impilo (KI) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the vital cause of improving community access to health resources, actively seeking to alleviate the adverse health and social consequences faced by underprivileged South Africans.
Based at the Kensington Methodist Church on Bunney Street, Kheth’Impilo has become a beacon of change for multiple Cape Town suburbs.
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According to the People’s Post, Kheth’Impilo commenced operations in May this year and officially inaugurated its services on 15 July. At the heart of its initiatives lies the commitment to provide a range of essential services at no cost.
These include integrated home-based care, comprehensive screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), tuberculosis (TB), family planning assistance, pregnancy testing, HIV counselling and testing, as well as COVID-19 screenings.
The organisation also extends its support to include the monitoring of vital health metrics like blood sugar levels and weight, and it offers assistance to patients battling cancer.
A central figure in this effort is Sister Elizabeth Cogill, a registered nurse and facilitator within the organisation.
Talking to the People’s Post, Sister Cogill explained that funding for Kheth’Impilo comes from the provincial Department of Health and Wellness. She said that the local day hospital frequently grapples with overcrowding issues, prompting people to seek refuge in their facility, where dedicated nursing professionals are on hand to provide assistance.
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Sister Cogill highlighted the organisation’s collaboration with the day hospital, where her team assists in cases where patients are unable to reach the hospital. In such instances, Kheth’Impilo’s carers perform observations at patients’ homes, strictly following doctors’ recommendations.
‘We have a very good understanding with the day hospital. We help it if there are patients who cannot reach the facility; our carers go out to conduct their observations, but only on doctor’s requests.’
The reach of Kheth’Impilo extends across the Kensington, Factreton, Maitland and Garden Village areas. With a cadre of 28 home-based carers, they extend their support to over 100 patients registered in their database. Sister Cogill emphasised that the organisation’s carers play a pivotal role in responding to requests from families who have individuals in need of care.
This team is prepared to visit patients’ homes, provide the necessary care, and even facilitate the procurement of supplies, such as nappies, when required.
‘If people know they have a sick person at home, they can reach out to us, and we go to that person,’ Cogill said.
Despite their invaluable service, Sister Cogill said that carers often face challenges in gaining the recognition and respect they deserve. These carers, driven by their commitment to community service, sometimes place their own safety at risk.
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To enhance community awareness and support, Kheth’Impilo actively engages in carer training and conducts health-awareness outreach initiatives. Sister Cogill fervently urged the community to acknowledge and collaborate with carers, recognising that their role is to augment the efforts of families. She asked families to ensure that patients are present during carer visits and to communicate any changes in plans.
‘People must appreciate carers more and work with them; then we can have a better society. We want to work the patients back into their families.’
By fostering a deeper appreciation for carers and fostering cooperation, Sister Cogill envisions a more cohesive and compassionate society where patients can be seamlessly reintegrated into their families.
Kheth’Impilo operates from 8am to 3pm every day and has plans to open its doors one Saturday a month to offer family-planning interventions and awareness services, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the betterment of the community’s health and well-being.
Details:
- Location: Kensington Methodist Church | 60 Bunney Street, Kensington, Cape Town
- Times: Monday to Friday, 8am to 3pm
- Contact: 021 410 4300 | [email protected]
- Website: khethimpilo.org
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