“My wife had cancer in the final stage. Dr Craig Howes was treating her from around mid-January 2021 to her passing end of July 2021. Even more than his very thorough knowledge of medicine we appreciated his heart. My wife was looking forward to his visits and enjoyed his professional talks a lot. He would sometimes come on a Friday night 7pm and leave at 8pm. Even with his very heavy workload he would always take time and listen to every detail. Down to earth and always giving good advice. So much empathy and understanding. He helped me cope with the very difficult situation too. I did not meet another Doctor like him. I can only highly recommend him.“
Mr J.
“My wife, Ricci, had the great privilege of being under the phenomenal care and guidance of Dr Craig and his exceptional team. Her last week’s before her passing after years of battling with cancer were made so much easier owing to the amazing care and support of Dr Craig and his team. Both her days at home under Dr Craig and at Hospice Wits with the amazing team there managed her pain and situation with the greatest of empathy, love and support. All credit to Dr Craig and thank you for being the special person you are. Wishing you good health and much success and please continue with your life changing wise council and professional care.”
Mr H.
“Thank you so much, Sister Lee. We all found your care, compassion and attentiveness to mom’s concerns and worries a breath of fresh air in contrast to the often cold and distant medical environment. Thank you so much for that.”
Mrs F.
“Thanks you so much for the thoughtful gift you dropped off for my mother-in-law after my father in law passed away. I would like to say a BIG thank you to Dr Howes and Sr Lee. We got the recommendation via our GP (Dr Lauren Wise) and we are so grateful for coming across your practice. We wish we had come across your practice sooner. The guidance, emotional support and specialised guidance in all aspects of this difficult period in our lives. Both Sr. Lee and Dr Craig were extremely compassionate, kind and supportive. Whenever we had a query or needed assistance, Gayle was always available to help us. I would recommend that any family that is faced with such a situation of having a loved one face the end of life that they seek the support of such a practice. We really believed we could do it ourselves taking care of our loved ones but we soon realised we needed extra help and support. We highly recommend Dr Howes and his team.”
Ms C.
“My wife (Sanet) was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer; she subsequently went to see an Oncologist, who put her on a 6-month chemotherapy treatment plan. Unfortunately, the treatment was not successful and the managing Oncologist referred her to a Palliative Care Practitioner, Dr Craig Howes. Firstly, Sister Lee Saunders visited my wife, processed a questionnaire and assisted and advised my wife from a physical perspective. Thereafter, Dr Craig Howes consulted my wife (I was fortunate to be present) several times, he was supremely professional with his compassionate and caring support. He gave suitable advice and guidance (including appropriate medication), easing her pain during the last weeks of her life. Personally, I deeply appreciated his pragmatic discussions we had, assisting with complicated and difficult decisions that had to be made with the limited time left. His timing was spot on when he made the decision for my wife to be transferred to Hospice (Houghton). It assisted us (me and our direct family) to say our last goodbye’s and release her peacefully to heaven. I would strongly recommend Dr Craig and his team to anyone who is supporting a terminally ill loved one. Gayle, as a very proficient Administrator, thank you for keeping everything on track, during extremely tough and emotive times.“
Mr W.
“We met Dr Craig and Sr Lee when Dad was struggling in his last months of an aggressive and very painful cancer. Dr Craig and Sr Lee were like angels that swept in and lifted a burden from our shoulders. Dr Craig is not just a doctor, he is the most wonderful counsellor who guided us gently through the dying process and I certainly benefitted from his wisdom. He may look young (and he is) but his wisdom shows a maturity far beyond his tender years. Sr Lee visited on a regular basis to ensure that everything possible was done to keep Dad’s pain under control. They gave us comfort that we were doing everything we could for Dad. Post Dad’s death we retained the services of Dr Craig and Sr Lee for Mom, who absolutely adored visits from both until her passing a few weeks ago. Thank you to Sr Lee, Dr Craig and Gayle who ensured that everything possible was done both psychologically and physically for Mom and Dad and our family. Our love and gratitude for everything.“
Marilyn Bothma and Tereza Durao
“To Dr Craig, Sister Lee, Sister Karen, Sister Patience & Gayle.
Words cannot express our thanks for all that you did for our mother in recent years.
You were only a phone call away and gave us so much support through the difficult times.
Your care, understanding, kind and gentle approach was so appreciated, particularly at the end. We will be forever grateful that her passing was calm and peaceful at home, just as she wished it would be.
With love and thanks to a wonderful team.“
O & D
“Dear Craig. Thank you with all my heart for caring for my mom and all. The incredible advice and support you and your team gave when we needed it most. You are a truly a special man.“
Love C
“Palliative care really changed my life. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, I had no idea what that meant. I had no idea what was coming; I didn’t know what that meant for her care, for her life, for her wellbeing. Thankfully, Dr Craig Howes and Sr Lee stepped up very quickly. We arranged a meeting and Sr Lee came and saw my mom and I in the hospital and explained the process of death and how she would look after my mom. It was a beautiful assistance because when you have no idea about a disease, it’s so hard to help someone when you don’t know how to help them. I found that having Sr Lee, having Dr Craig Howes, it was always just a matter of picking up my phone and calling to ask what I should do or if they could come over and look at my mom and Sr Lee always came through. It was always just such an easy process. I didn’t feel that my mom was uncared for. I felt that Sr Lee was always there when my mom needed her; she was so gentle and patient with my mom. She spoke to her about the disease and what’s coming. When my mom was in pain, Sr Lee always offered her lots of encouragement and all the right medications. So, palliative care is amazing in the sense that, when you have no idea what’s happening, palliative care just swooped in and took over that role of me having to look after my mom. Sr Lee took on that role so well and it was the best experience. I would highly recommend palliative care, especially from Dr Craig Howes and Sr Lee to any family and anyone struggling with cancer because the way they handled my mom in her last 6 weeks was so respectful, loving and caring and I couldn’t have wished for a better team to support my mom. Sr Lee was with my mom until the last minute. It wasn’t an easy day but we got through it. Thank you so much to the team. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t think it would have been as easy or as peaceful. Thank you, Sr Lee and Dr Craig. I would recommend you to any family who may need you. The work you do is phenomenal. I am one very happy client and I will tell that to anyone who asks. Thank you so much for what you do. You guys are so special.“
Mrs P
I was introduced to palliative care in February of this year, which the name in itself is somewhat daunting. What kindness and empathy was shown by a doctor whom I have ever encountered. To be able to discuss the most delicate matters with another person without the tears welling up and flowing freely in my opinion shows how wonderful this experience with Dr Howes has been and will continue to be with me until the journey is over. Efficient and at one’s beck and call without having to speak to an answering machine – what a pleasure. He surrounds himself with professional medical people and they themselves understand the sensitivity of the patient’s needs and act accordingly.
Mr G.
Dr CG Howes 