The Christian Medical Service and Relief is a Christian faith based multi-denominational section 21 Company; providing comprehensive medical care, social work services, relief and pastoral care to destitute community members, irrespective of their race or creed; with the aim of assisting these communities to develop sustainable programs capable of overtaking the devastating socio-economic impact of the HIV/AIDS and poverty crises.

The mission of Bethesda is to

• Reflect an organizational culture that incorporates the belief that God is our Source and encourage all staff to function within the culture.
• Operate institutional facilities that provide professional and compassionate care to destitute and traumatized children
• Operate institutional facilities that provide professional, holistic and compassionate Palliative Care to adults and children.
• Operate a Community Based Care Service that provides integrated services to people in need.
• Mobilise and challenge the Church and Business Community to be part of the solution to the   HIV/AIDS and Poverty crises
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The Christian Medical Service and Relief organisation (CMSR/Bethesda) is a Section 21 Company registered as a Non-Profit organisation. Formed in 2000 with the vision of providing holistic care to destitute, traumatised and HIV/AIDS infected and affected children and adults, the organisation has developed and is successfully managing several effective and recognised programmes.

The CMSR was founded with the vision of Mr Gordon Fraser, former managing director of Gypsum Industries Ltd. who felt moved by the accounts of the suffering of children infected with HIV/AIDS. He together with  Ds Johan Van Der Merwe, Ds Michiel Burger, and Dr Ben Emmink formed the CMSR. Bishop Adams of the Catholic Diocese and the Palatine Sisters of Rosemoore donated the wonderful premises in Rosemoore, George, currently housing the seven divisions of the organisation. These divisions are:

1. Bethesda Hospice

• In-patient Unit
• Community Based Care

2. Child and Youth Care Centre

3. Auxiliary Services

4. Financial Division, Stores and Charity Shop

5. Spiritual Care

6. Psychosocial Care

The Child and Youth Care Centre, which was taken over by the CMSR (Bethesda) in January 2001, are registered for 45 children who are cared for by a multi-disciplinary team.

Children are placed in the Home by the Children’s Court as a result of neglect, abuse or the absence of parents.

St Mary’s Children’s Home is subsidised by the Department of Social Development. The funding is however inadequate to cover the running costs.

Bethesda Hospice In-patient Unit was opened in February 2002, initially with 10 beds this increased to 20 in 2005 and then to 28 in 2006.

The initial focus was HIV/AIDS and Palliative Care, however, after consultation with the Department of Health it was realised that a real need also existed for a sub-acute facility. Agreements were reached with the Department of Health regarding funding and services were adapted to provide sub-acute care. This has assisted in alleviating the bed crisis at George Hospital.

The need for oncology respite beds was identified in 2006 and 8 more beds were opened in April 2007 bringing the total to 36 beds.

Our Community Based Care was established in October 2002 in response to the needs of discharged Bethesda In-patient Unit patients who required ongoing nursing and support after discharge. Recognising that there were many more patients in the community who were not accessing primary health care services because of poor health, inaccessibility or stigmatisation, we conducted a door to door survey to gain an understanding of the community’s health and social profile. This was an undertaking in consultation with the Primary Health Care clinics.

This established our initial client base and 7 Community Based Carers were appointed.

In 2006 the Community Based Care (CBC) program qualified for European Union Funding and another 8 Carers were employed.

Presently we have 25 carers and 2 Professional Nurses in the CBC Program.