Caring arm
SouthernCross Carers

Compassionate, coordinated home-based care.

Our philosophy

An approach built on dignity

SouthernCross Carers was born from Vanessa's years of clinical experience across ICU, Emergency, and patient care settings. She saw, repeatedly, that the transition to home-based care was where families felt most alone — navigating complex medical needs without the right support structure.

Our model is built around the patient, in their home. We coordinate the right clinical specialists — physicians, nurses, stoma therapists, wound care specialists, physiotherapists, palliative care and others — and ensure that care is seamless, dignified, and centred on the patient's wishes.

♥
Patient-centred dignity
Every person deserves to feel comfortable and cared for. We honour a patients’ individuality and wishes — at home, where it matters most — whether recovering from a medical event or being cared for in their final chapter of life.
⬡
Multidisciplinary coordination
We connect patients and families with the right clinical specialists, ensuring that every aspect of care — medical, physical, emotional — is covered and coordinated.
⌂
Care where it matters most
Healthcare begins at home. We support families directly, in familiar and comfortable surroundings, reducing unnecessary hospital contact during difficult times.
✦
Family support
We know that caring for a loved one is a profound responsibility. We walk alongside the whole family — with guidance, practical support, and a compassionate presence.

Speak to us about caring

Whether you're planning ahead or need support now, we're here to help. No referral required.

Get in touch
Our why

"Healthcare begins at home."

Vanessa Pickford has spent over three decades working in the most demanding clinical environments — ICU, emergency, haematology, maternity. But it was in the quiet moments, watching families navigate illness and end-of-life without adequate support, that the vision for SouthernCross Carers took shape.

We exist because every family deserves a knowledgeable, compassionate guide — someone who has walked this path before, who knows which specialists to call, and who will sit with you in the hard moments. That is what SouthernCross Carers is.

Vanessa Pickford
Vanessa Pickford
RN · Founder, ICS
The people behind the care

Our team

Vanessa Pickford
Vanessa Pickford
Founder & Clinical Director
Bachelor of Nursing (Hons in Clinical Education) - UCT · 30+ years clinical experience
Kath Malan
Kath Malan
Care coordinator
Mpumie Chisi
Mpumie Chisi
Administrator

Our wider care team is introduced when you engage with us — matched to your specific clinical and personal needs.

Our network

Clinical care partners

We work with a curated network of specialist clinical partners — each selected for their expertise and, crucially, their approach to patient dignity. Together, we can address every aspect of your care needs.

CH
Chariot Health
Palliative care physicians & nurses
Specialist palliative care medical team providing compassionate end-of-life care for patients and their families.
Visit website →
DW
Dee Waugh
Stoma therapists in Cape Town
Specialist stoma therapy and wound care services for patients in the Cape Town area.
Visit website →

Are you a clinical specialist?

We are always looking to grow our partner network with dedicated, compassionate clinical professionals. Get in touch to discuss a partnership →