Historical Background:
The Christian Medical Service and Relief organisation (CMSR) 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 Pallotine Sisters of Rosemoor donated the wonderful premises in Rosemoor, George, currently housing the seven divisions of the organisation. These divisions are:-
1. Bethesda Hospice
a) In-patient Unit
b) Community Based Care
2. St Mary's Children's Home
3. Auxiliary Services
4. Financial Division
5. Public Relations and Stores
6. Spiritual Care
7. Psychosocial Care
The Children's Home, which was taken over by the CMSR in January 2001, is 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 where many more patients in the community who were not accessing primary health care services because of poor health, inaccessibility or stigmatization, 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 15 carers, 1 clerk and 2 Professional Nurses in the CBC Program.
The CBC program has been expanded in 2007 with funding from the European Union and the Isisombululo Fund (Hasso Plattner Foundation) to 35 carers, 2 Professional Nurses and a Medical Doctor.
