Dr Brand began her healthcare journey as an Occupational Therapist, working for 20 years alongside patients to help restore function, independence, and dignity in their daily lives. Driven by a desire to deepen her clinical impact, she later pursued medicine and has since dedicated the past three years to working in palliative care.

She is deeply passionate about improving quality of life through compassionate, holistic care that focuses on comfort, meaningful living, and supporting both patients and their families during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.

Dr. Van der Merwe is an experienced medical practitioner with 43 years of service in the healthcare field. He has practiced extensively as a general practitioner in both rural and urban communities, working across hospital, clinic, and private practice settings. He obtained his B.Med.Sci and MBChB qualifications from the University of Pretoria and has further completed several diplomas in emergency medicine.

With more than 40 years of experience in emergency room medicine, Dr. van der Merwe has developed broad expertise in acute and critical patient care. In 1998, he became involved in palliative care when the first hospice opened in his local area, and he has continued to serve in this field with dedication and compassion. He currently combines general practice and palliative care work while also serving as a medical advisor for Sasolmed, Discovery, and Dis-Chem.

Sr Almoria trained at Groote Schuur Hospital and completed her maternity training at Boksburg-Benoni Hospital. With 25 years of experience in ICU, she has worked at several renowned hospitals, including Tygerberg Hospital, Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital and Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital. She was passionate about working in the cardiology units – especially working with patients who had cardio-thoracic surgery. Sr Almoria transitioned to palliative care where she can apply her nursing skills with great insight to the struggles patients and families face. She has dedicated her life to caring for patients and is known for her compassion and great love for her work.

Mrs Zulch is a senior oncology and palliative care social worker with more than 23 years of experience supporting patients and their loved ones facing serious illness. She works in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town, doing home visits and collaborating closely with doctors, nurses, and multidisciplinary teams to promote quality of life and compassionate care. She is also involved in palliative care training through the Association of Palliative Care Centres (previously known as HPCA). Mrs Zulch is happily married with two grown-up sons, and when she’s not working, she enjoys gardening — even though she insists she doesn’t have green fingers.

Mrs Pretorius has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care at the University of Cape Town and is awaiting finalisation of her MPhil in Palliative Medicine. Her passion for this field was shaped by personal experience supporting a family member through palliative care. Madelein is dedicated to helping patients maintain quality of life throughout their illness, using practical adaptations to support meaningful participation in daily life. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with loved ones.

Ms Haley is a professional social worker with over 10 years of experience in medical social work and palliative care. She supports patients and their loved ones navigating serious and life-limiting illness, with a focus on quality of life, psychosocial care, and practical planning. Her experience spans neuromuscular conditions, paediatric and vulnerable care settings, and older persons in retirement and frail care. In private practice, she specialises in oncology and complex medical care. Abigail’s approach is grounded in empathy, clarity, and preparation — supporting patients and their loved ones to hope for the best while planning thoughtfully for all possibilities.

Dr van Wyk is a general practitioner with a dedicated professional interest in palliative care, shaped by her clinical training and early experience working with patients facing serious illness. She is passionate about patient-centred care, with a focus on thoughtful symptom management and supporting both patients and their loved ones during challenging times. She recognises that palliative care requires sensitivity and adaptability, and she prioritises listening, presence, and clear communication in every interaction. She loves family and friends – and people are her main priority – even in her private life. Dr van Wyk is committed to providing compassionate and holistic care for every family unit.

Mrs Greeff is a master’s-level oncology and palliative care social worker with over 35 years of experience supporting patients and their loved ones across the cancer continuum. Her work focuses on comprehensive psychosocial assessment, advance care planning, and supporting patients with complex, life-limiting illness in both hospital and home-based settings. She is committed to collaborative, multidisciplinary care and integrates a compassionate, patient-centred and reasonable hope–centred approach. She contributes to training, mentorship, and advocacy to strengthen palliative care services in the Western Cape.

Sr Tomlinson completed the UCT Certificate in Palliative Nursing with Distinction in 2024 and has built her specialist nursing career across Hospice Wits, St Luke’s Combined Hospice, and now Palcare on the West Coast. She provides dedicated home‑based palliative care for cancer patients, focusing on symptom relief, pain management, and easing both physical and emotional distress and supports loved ones during the later stages of serious illness with guidance and compassion. Known for her empathy, energy, and unwavering commitment to patient‑centred care, she consistently makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.

Sr Jansen trained at Addington Hospital in Durban, qualifying in 1982 with a General and Psychiatric Diploma. She worked at Milnerton Mediclinic in the surgical ward and ICU before spending 15 years in the Middle East in a cardiac care unit. On returning to South Africa, she was drawn to more personal, meaningful nursing. At Palcare, she has found her passion – caring for patients with dedication, compassion, and a genuine love for the people she serves.

Nicole Van Neel is a valued member of our administration team, responsible for managing billing in the Northern Suburbs region. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Nursing as well as certification in ICD-10 coding, which further strengthens her expertise in medical administration and billing processes.

She is passionate about patient care and also oversees new referrals, ensuring that the process of connecting patients with our doctors is handled in a seamless and efficient manner. Nicole’s attention to detail, clinical knowledge, and commitment to accuracy contribute significantly to the smooth operation of our services.

Zandri is the Practice Manager and Care Coordinator, supporting the day-to-day operations and clinical coordination of the team. She holds a Diploma in Business Management and has been part of the practice since October 2022. She plays a key role in ensuring effective communication between patients, loved ones, and healthcare professionals, helping to facilitate seamless, compassionate care. With a strong focus on organisation and patient-centred service, Zandri manages administrative processes while coordinating care plans and services, and is passionate about supporting patients and their loved ones during challenging times.

Daleen Viljoen has been part of the Palcare team since November 2022, supporting patients and their loved ones across the West Coast. She manages billing with care and clarity, helping people understand what can often feel confusing or overwhelming. Through WhatsApp, she stays closely connected, offering quick responses and a steady point of contact when it matters most. Daleen’s focus is simple: make the process easier, clearer, and more personal for every person she assists.

Monita holds a qualification in Human Resources and brings with her many years of experience working with patients. She is known for her kind nature and strong people skills, which allow her to connect meaningfully with both patients and their loved ones. She is currently coordinating services in the Northern Suburbs, ensuring that patients and their loved ones receive the support they need while maintaining smooth communication and operations. Monita’s genuine love for people makes her role at Palcare very meaningful, and she finds great joy in being part of the Palcare family. Monita looks forward in bringing a positive contribution to the lives of patients and their loved ones, as well as her colleagues.

Dr Moffat has enjoyed working in palliative care since 2019 and is one of the founding members of the practice. She completed her Diploma in Palliative Care through University of Cape Town, and is deeply committed to serving others and helping patients live well in their final days with dignity, comfort, and support. She is unafraid to walk alongside people through difficult conversations and experiences, striving to help patients and loved ones prepare for death with compassion and understanding. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, as well as running and reading.