NDTC hosts benefit performance for cancer care
THE Consie Walters Cancer Care hospice will be the beneficiary of the National Dance Theatre Company’s (NDTC) benefit performance this Saturday.
The hospice — located on the grounds of the St Joseph’s Hospital, on Deanery Road, in Kingston — has provided palliative care and counselling for terminally ill cancer patients and their immediate relatives for more than 30 years.
Hospice care involves the provision of medical services and emotional and spiritual support for people in the final stages of their terminal illness such as cancer or heart failure, as well as helping family members to cope with the many physical and emotional challenges that come with caring for a dying loved one.
In addition to modest care fees, operation of the Consie Walters Cancer Care Hospice relies on returns from a variety of fund-raising activities.
Prudent financial management of hospice funds has contributed to its thirty-year survival, but Dr Aggrey Irons, the chairman, admits that there have been challenges.
“Our relationship with people is what hospice care is all about, and it remains our priority, but we must nevertheless contend with some challenges related to the facilities and medical equipment which is not as up-to-date as we would wish,” Dr Irons disclosed.
Proceeds from the performance will go towards additional medical equipment such as oxygen tanks.
Dr Irons noted the committed work of the board, administrators, staff, and volunteers in keeping the service going. “Saturday’s NDTC performance offers an opportunity for members of the public to contribute to the work of the hospice while enjoying an evening of dance,” he said.
The performance is scheduled for 8:00 pm at The Little Theatre.