WATCH: New Alberton paediatric palliative unit, fourth in SA
The new Martelise Meaker Children’s In-Patient Unit will house up to 10 young patients (aged 0 to 18) facing life-limiting illnesses, to offer them specialised care and support.
Over 200 dazzled locals recently filled the new Martelise Meaker Children’s In-Patient Unit to show their support during the unit’s special opening on July 26.
Response received from Albertonians amid Stepping Stone Palliative Care Services’ opening was overwhelming and filled with heartwarming emotions.
The recently established unit was named in tribute to Martelise Meaker, Stepping Stone’s first young patient, ensuring her legacy lives on in the care of countless children to come.
Martelise left a lasting impression on the organisation with her bravery and resilience.
The homely facility, named in her honour, will have a profound impact on children suffering from terminal illnesses, their families and the community.
According to Tersia Burger, CEO of Stepping Stone Hospice, they are the fourth Hospice in-patient palliative children’s unit in the country.
And they remain committed to offering compassionate, comforting and holistic care to children and their families.
“Hospice centres are assessed to the Council for Health Service Accreditation of Southern Africa (COHSASA) standards. If there’s no money we don’t deny care and the fact that we do that doesn’t make it inferior care. Our nurses are all registered and accredited and have palliative care training. I’m very grateful, but also sad that my child never had this level of care and that we as a family never had this level of care and support,” she said.
They also attained Association of Palliative Care Facilities (APCC) five-star accreditation and are the only five-star APCC accredited Hospice in the province.
Tersia expressed joy in being able to honour her child’s last wish.
Increasing need
Tersia, deputy chairperson of the Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC), formerly known as the Hospice Palliative Care Association (HPCA), reiterated that there is a great need for paediatric palliative care in SA.
“The recent occasion was very emotional. However, some people didn’t want to come into the house because they can’t associate illness or death with a child. And the sad reality is that there are between 800 000 and a million children that need palliative care in SA,” she explained.
She reiterated that the unit based at 12 Glen Albyn Street in Raceview will provide specialised care and support for young patients facing life-threatening illnesses.
Martelise’s proud mother, Maritha Meaker, expressed that she was utterly amazed by what the Hospice team achieved and commended them for their commitment.
“I’m encouraged to see how God stands in the gap. Many of us have looked forward to the opening of this paediatric unit for a long time. Special thanks to Hospice for honouring Martelise’s memory by naming the unit after her. It is such an honour to be part of this journey,” she said.
@albertonrecord New Alberton paediatric palliative unit, fourth in SA
She said this reminded her that there is and always has been a calling in her life – one that she has almost forgotten. “Your example gives me the courage to want to pursue it.”
Stepping Stone Hospice’s board member, Percy Howroyd, who has a background in the building industry, said the children’s unit was Alberton’s flagship.
“It’s a blessing to be part of this lovely unit and I’m very happy to be part of it. I see this place like a bright light. Alberton used to be a place just halfway to Durban, with just a road through and some houses and it has grown massively. We are proud of being part of this amazing work,” he said.
The entity desperately needs a generator to be able to supply oxygen to the oxygen-dependent staff continuously.
Should you be able to assist or would like to make a general donation, kindly contact Stepping Stone on 010 442 5059 or via email at tersia@steppingstonehospice.co.za
