Foundation launches CSI programmes to support cancer facilities

It held an official launch on 6 February 2013 to further its CSR programme and ensure access to specific, medically appropriate treatment for all patients in the country - irrespective of financial background.

In its Corporate Social Responsibility programme, the aims are to:

• Improve oncology facilities in state hospitals where patients are being treated and
  
• Invest in the "knowledge" component by involving itself in the training of nursing sisters to care for patients who have the illness.

To address these needs, the ICCF needs organisations with which it can partner through its sound administration structure to allow corporates to easily invest through the CSI arm of the foundation. Its governance structure brings together legal, medical, commercial and key government leaders and patient representation to ensure objectivity.

Project plan investments

While there are opportunities to invest in tailor made projects, the foundation recognises the need for well-administered projects that do not require additional administration from the donor company. For this reason, investors can become a single sponsor or be part of a syndicate of sponsors on a large-scale project. Modernising existing provincial tertiary cancer facilities across South Africa is what the ICCF intends to achieve, with the needs varying from facility to facility, the range of opportunity is wide.

With ease of corporate administration in mind, it has a project plan prototype that includes the following:

• Needs identification - by facility staff in conjunction with the ICCF
  
• Scope of work - defined by facility staff in conjunction with the ICCF
  
• Appropriate resourcing - by the ICCF and architect/s
  
• Planning - by the ICCF, facility staff and architect/s
  
• Work authorisation - by architects who have had extensive experience working within the provincial system.
  
• Implementation - by the ICCF, facility staff, architect/s, project manager and consultants
  
• Report back - by the ICCF to the project funders and ICCF board.
  
• Public relations and media coverage - led by the ICCF in conjunction with the partner companies, the Department of Health and site staff

Currently the ICCF has a portfolio of ready-packaged projects to match a range of focus and resources.

Proven record of accomplishment

Its CSI model has a proven record of accomplishment.

The upgrade of the Charlotte Maxeke Oncology Pharmacy in Gauteng to the same standard as a private facility. The cost of this project was R320 000 and included:

• New flooring
  
• Repainted with brighter, fresh colours
  
• Cleaned the ceilings and refurbished the lights
  
• Purpose made shelving and cabinets
  
• Pictures to add interest to the pharmacy

The investment and upgrade to Ward 28, Universitas Hospital in the Free State of R1.6 million, which included:

• State of the art modernization resembling a private facility
  
• New vinyl flooring, repainting the entire ward and replacing the ceilings
  
• Minimal building alteration to achieve maximum use of space
  
• Re-wiring of electrics and gas piped where possible
  
• Doors and windows refurbished
  
• Increasing the service areas, including isolation areas and adding a bathroom

"With a coordinated effort to 'share the burden', the treatment of patients with cancer may very well be significantly improved in the years to come," states Dr Adam Nosworthy, oncologist and ICCF chairman.

10 cancer facts

1. There are more than 100 types of cancers; any part of the body can be affected.
   
2. In 2008, 7.6 million people died of cancer - 13% of all deaths worldwide.
   
3. About 70% of all cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
   
4. Worldwide, the five most common types of cancer that kill men are (in order of frequency): lung, stomach, liver, colorectal and oesophagus.
   
5. Worldwide, the 5 most common types of cancer that kill women are (in the order of frequency): breast, lunch, stomach, colorectal and cervical.
   
6. Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of cancer in the world.
   
7. One fifth of all cancers worldwide are caused by chronic infection, for example human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer and hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes liver cancer.
   
8. More than 30% of cancers could be cured if detected early and treated adequately.
   
9. All patients in need of pain relief could be helped if current knowledge about pain control and palliative care were applied.
   
10. More than 30% of cancer could be prevented, mainly by not using tobacco, having a healthy diet, being physically active and preventing infections that may cause cancer.
    

For more information, contact ICCF Manager, Jeanette Schwegman on az.oc.fcci@ettenaej or call +27 (0) 82 600 8472.