From being on the verge of bankruptcy just 18 months ago to now establishing themselves as a key role player in the wellbeing of thousands of Barrydale residents, the turnaround story of Sister Nickie Crookes and the Barrydale Hospice team highlights what can be achieved when a community unites for a worthy cause.
It was therefore fitting that the most important message at the non-profit organisation’s annual general meeting did not come from a board member.
Instead, it was local paramedic Mark Thrasher who highlighted that the work Crookes and her team does is of vital importance to the community at large.
“The cracks in an otherwise broken system are being filled by Sister Nickie and her team,” said Thrasher.
“I would like to thank them for the assistance they bring. We are often under-resourced and it is impossible for us to get through the tremendous workload we have, but thanks to these women there is hope.
“We are truly blessed to live in a village filled with so many kind people.”
While Barrydale Hospice is not a provider of emergency medical services – the role of Hospice is to provide palliative care, improving the quality of life for those nearing the end of their lives – the team has regularly been called upon to assist or help find solutions during medical emergencies.
Thrasher also highlighted that thanks to Barrydale Hospice, team spirit between the various healthcare providers in the village has improved and that, as a collective, far more was achieved over the past year.
By the numbers
Over the last year Barrydale Hospice conducted 2 066 home visits. This is a significant increase when considering that only 1 088 visits were recorded the previous year.
The team also conducted 8 398 nursing interventions – 2 926 more in a single calendar year.
Taking hands with the community
A few years ago Barrydale Hospice realised that they would no longer be able to rely on government funding, and much to their relief, the residents of Barrydale stepped up to fill the void.
The organising committee of Barrydale in Bloom, Barrydale Hand Weavers, the Karoo Art Hotel, as well as private donors such as Dr Des, Natalie Uren, Jane Edwards, Graham Blyth and Mike Hugo (to name but a few), made significant contributions towards the financial stability of the organisation.
During his report, Hospice Chairman Dinen Maharaj thanked everyone who played a crucial role in steadying the ship, while also lauding previous boards for the foresight they had.
“The metamorphosis from a caterpillar has indeed started to occur and every day brings the hospice closer to the beautiful butterfly in our logo,” said Maharaj.
“A mere eighteen months ago, the hospice was on the verge of bankruptcy and permanently closing our doors. Today we find ourselves on a sustainable path.”
He added that operationally, the arrival of Crookes has been transformational. Under her leadership, the home-based carers have grown in professionalism and in community impact. The hospice continues to prioritise palliative care excellence despite a tightening national funding environment for NGOs.
Maharaj also thanked founding member Nola Fraser for her commitment to the community, stating that without her daily input, the hospice would not be able to function.
Focus for the new year
After a playful Donald Trump impersonation, Crookes again explained the role of hospice and emphasised that although the ship has been steadied, much work lies ahead for the organisation to thrive.
Crookes praised the hospice carers who, in their new uniform, continue to improve the lives of the most fragile members of the community.
She said that her team will now also be focusing on bringing more counsellors on board to assist with the mental wellbeing of patients and their families, and that psychological and spiritual aspects of care will become a key focal point going forward.
Barrydale Hospice has proven that resilience, collaboration and community buy-in can change the trajectory of care in a rural town. What once looked like a story heading towards permanent closure, is now a growing model for what can be achieved when people refuse to let vital healthcare services disappear.
Their turnaround is not only a win for Barrydale – it is a reminder of what is possible when a village protects its most vulnerable.
