The Stepping Stone Palliative Care Services has never turned away a patient. However, it now faces its toughest challenge yet, as one-third of its patients receive care without any funding whatsoever.

Tersia Burger, the founder and CEO of Stepping Stone, made an emotional appeal to the community after revealing that the facility provided 2 748 days of completely unfunded care over just three months.

The Hospice’s children’s in-patient unit in Raceview currently cares for six children with life-limiting illnesses and conditions, each requiring round-the-clock specialised medical attention.

Among them is young Rumica Jonker, who lives with Mosaic Trisomy 12 syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting her development, heart and breathing.

Oxygen-reliant and unable to eat normally, Rumica receives specially blended meals through her tracheostomy tube.

Despite the financial pressures, Stepping Stone maintains accreditation with the Council for Health Service Accreditation of Southern Africa, meeting the highest standards of palliative care in the region.

Sad reality

According to Tersia, the daily costs of this level of compassionate care are staggering: R2 495 per child with complex needs and R1 450 for adult palliative care patients.

“This covers specialised nursing staff, life-sustaining medications, oxygen, medical equipment and nutritionally prepared meals. In July alone, 18 patients died, 10 with no funding. That translated to 1 085 days of care provided, knowing no payment would come.

“August saw 19 deaths, seven unfunded, totalling 1 322 days of care. September brought 18 more deaths, with seven patients having no funding, another 341 days,” she said.

Currently, she said, 33% of their patients, including children in their unit in Raceview, have no funding.

“Despite the financial pressures, we have never turned away anyone and we never will. But the gap between what it costs to care and what we receive in funding widens every month. We’re calling on local businesses, individuals and corporate partners to help bridge the funding gap,” Tersia said.

She said no child should face a life-limiting illness without proper care, nutrition and compassion and that no family should have to choose between medical care and financial ruin.

To help, visit www.steppingstonehospice.co.za or call Tersia on 083 251 9605.