Stepping Stone Hospice has announced a significant expansion of its services, and central to the announcement is the future of its New Market inpatient unit.

The Hospice, a CoHSASA and five-star APCC accredited facility, said that the development reflects both its growth and its continued dedication to meeting the evolving needs of patients and families across the region.
Management has moved to reassure the public that the facility will not be closing, but will instead be repurposed into a specialised pre-terminal palliative care unit.

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The decision comes in response to a growing demand for accessible, affordable 24-hour care for elderly individuals and those unable to manage daily living independently.

The Heidelberg Road facility will be transformed to provide round-the-clock, compassionate care in a familiar setting, offering a more affordable alternative to costly frail care and terminal care institutions that remain out of reach for many families.

Stepping Stone confirmed that terminally ill patients will continue to receive the high standard of hospice care for which it is known.

In 2025 alone, the organisation cared for nearly 300 patients in its in-patient unit, admitted 238 new patients, supported more than 1 000 individuals, and conducted 636 home visits.
Expans

Once completed, the hospice’s palliative care services will be centralised at a new, purpose-built facility at 14 Glen Albyn Street in Raceview.
The 14-bed unit will feature private patient rooms, family spaces, a quiet room, and upgraded medical facilities, all designed to place patients and their loved ones at the centre of care.

Speaking on the expansion, hospice founder and CEO Tersia Burger highlighted the growing demand for services.
“Every single day, families in our community walk through one of the hardest seasons of their lives.

“They come to us afraid, exhausted, and often unsure where to turn. Our team remains committed to ensuring no one faces a life-limiting illness alone,” she said.

Burger added that the current infrastructure is no longer sufficient to meet demand, making the expansion a necessary step forward.

To support the project, Stepping Stone has launched its Brick-by-Brick fundraising campaign, with an initial target of R6.5 million.
Community members are encouraged to contribute towards bringing the new facility to life.

Reviving the Tree of Lights
The hospice also addressed last year’s postponed Tree of Lights ceremony, which was called off due to heavy rainfall that rendered the Children’s Unit grounds unsafe.

Management acknowledged the disappointment caused, particularly given the deeply personal significance of the event.

“We are truly sorry for the disappointment and hurt caused. It is an event that means so much to our families and to us as a hospice. This year, we are ready to make it special again,” Burger said.

The Tree of Lights will return this year as part of a Christmas in July celebration, set to take place on July 31, at 17:00 at the Children’s In-Patient Unit in Raceview.

The event will feature performances by local groups, including the Alberton Mannekoor and Dameskoor, the 1st Randhart Scouts Group, and the Harmonia Girls’ Choir.

Residents are encouraged to bring camping chairs. Food, beverages and vendor stalls will be available on site.

The ceremony offers families an opportunity to honour loved ones through the purchase of virtual globes, with tribute messages displayed online, ensuring their memories continue to shine.

Stepping Stone Hospice expressed heartfelt gratitude to the community for its continued support, emphasising that its work remains deeply reliant on local generosity and compassion.

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