The HOPE Staff had the opportunity to sit down and chat with one of our patients, Tshuma, to talk about his experience at the HOPE Centre.
Tell us about yourself and your connection to the Hope Centre
I live with Diabetes and Hypertension. I discovered that I was unwell when I was admitted to hospital in 2013 and was informed that my diagnosis was Diabetes. My leg was amputated as a way of containing Diabetes. I spent a long time recovering there before I was discharged and referred to Zandspruit Clinic. The local clinic referred me further to Project HOPE clinic in the same year.
What has your experience at the Hope Centre been like?
After a number of consultations and treatment for almost a year at the HOPE clinic, I feel well and happy as result of Project Hope services. I recommend Project Hope clinic and its support services to people I know, to visit the HOPE clinic. I keep telling them how helpful the clinic has been to me. I am confident to tell them about my conditions and what to eat too.
After a number of consultations and treatment for almost a year at the HOPE clinic, I feel well and happy as result of Project Hope services. I recommend Project Hope clinic and its support services to people I know, to visit the HOPE clinic. I keep telling them how helpful the clinic has been to me. I am confident to tell them about my conditions and what to eat too.
What makes the Hope Centre different?
The difference I notice between HOPE Centre and other Health facilities is that Project HOPE staff cares for people. There are no long queues that you find at other clinics. They don’t just give medication but they educate patients as well on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through programs such as the 5 Steps to Self Care.
What have you learnt as a result of coming to the Hope Centre?
Things that I’ve learnt about my conditions are: Diabetes kills if it is ignored and hypertension can even cause stroke. I have also learned how important it is to take care of myself while I have this NCD, to get checked-up regularly, as well as to take medication accordingly.
