Stepping Stone Hospice to open children’s unit in May

In a significant leap towards compassionate care, Stepping Stone Hospice & Care Services, under the leadership of CEO Tersia Burger, is set to inaugurate a children’s unit this May.

The eagerly awaited project will start its construction and renovations on February 1, following the acquisition of two properties on Glen Albyn Street, Raceview, last year.

Burger explained the motivation behind this initiative, highlighting the pressing need for a specialised facility.
“There is a big need for a children’s unit because many children are born with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.”

A unit for children

In a touching tribute, the unit will be named after Martelise Meaker, the first child patient Stepping Stone Hospice cared for.

Meaker, who was only 11 years old, left an indelible mark on the organisation. This naming serves as a poignant reminder of their commitment to enhancing the lives of young patients.

The children’s unit can accommodate 10 patients, with three rooms providing ample space for parents to stay overnight. The focus is on creating an environment where children can maintain as much normalcy as possible, featuring dedicated areas for studying and recreation.

“The plan is to have teachers available for those patients who attend school. There will be enough to keep the young ones busy during their time with us. Life will go on as normal as possible,” Burger said.

Funds needed

Burger assured that the dedicated staff is prepared and trained for the unit, emphasising the importance of securing essential resources to make this vision a reality.

However, the success of this endeavour relies on public support because Burger emphasised the ongoing need for funds.

“We still need money to buy medical equipment and 10 medical beds, each valued at R35 000, tailored for paediatric care. And we will continue needing money to run the facility,” said Burger.

“We rely on the community, the public sector, fundraising, bequests, donations in lieu of flowers, patient accounts and the sale of second-hand clothing and goods. We treat everyone who qualifies, despite their financial and social circumstances.”

People can show their support by continuing their debit orders, donating money or goods and supporting the fundraisers.

Home visits

As Stepping Stone Hospice & Care Services approaches its 11th anniversary, it is gearing up for growth and expansion. The year is marked with several fundraisers to support the children’s unit and other essential services.

However, the journey does not stop there. House visits, a cornerstone of their community care, will continue, necessitating the need for a reliable vehicle.

“To conduct these home visits, we need a vehicle for our staff to travel to and from patients safely. Our trained and qualified staff will then visit their patients at their homes and care for them there.”

A misconception

Stepping Stone Hospice & Care Services wants to dispel the misconception that hospice is solely a place for end-of-life care.

“We don’t want people to think hospice is a place where people come to die because it is not,” said Burger.

Despite the emotional toll, she said every minute of palliative care is worth it, marked by numerous miracles and excellent work. She explained the concept of palliative hospice care and tried to dispel some of the myths around it, the primary one being that it only applies to the last weeks of life.

Palliative care is the care of patients with an active, progressive, and far-advanced disease. The care focuses on relieving and preventing suffering and ensuring quality of life.

“Hospice offers a support system for the patient and their family. Hospice neither intends to hasten nor postpone death,” Burger explained.

Future plans

The second property acquired is earmarked for a pre-terminal palliative care unit. Plans for the unit should unfold later this year, expanding the hospice’s commitment to providing holistic care throughout various stages of life.

“It is going to be a busy year. We look forward to the future and can’t wait to open our doors to both units,” Burger said.

Stepping Stone Hospice & Care Services extends its gratitude to the community for its unwavering support and looks forward to the shared commitment to providing compassionate care to those in need.

For more information or to donate, call 010 442 5059.