Built on a river of tears
Tears fell freely at the Hospice last week when the foundation for extensions to the In-Patient Unit were poured, with family and friends placing photos of loved ones in the foundation.
“We offered this as an opportunity to families and friends of our deceased patients to honour their loved ones, and to know that all of our patients’ memories are cemented in our hearts,” says Stepping Stone Hospice & Care Services CEO Tersia Burger.
The In-Patient Unit in New Market Park is being extended by 100sqm, allowing for two more dignity rooms, a counselling room, a quiet room and some offices.
Hospice offers its services to anyone who has had a diagnosis of a life-limiting illness that cannot be cured, irrespective of their social, cultural, spiritual, financial or religious points of view or standing.
Patients admitted as in-patients to the IPU are cared for by Palliative Care Specialists, who in turn are supported by a team of health professionals – nurses, a physiotherapist, a psychologist and a social worker. Trained volunteers are also in attendance for the patients and their loved ones who need their support.
The total cost for the expansion of the IPU exceeds R600 000. Stepping Stone Hospice is appealing to the community to assist in any way they can to help them raise the funds for this much needed service, the first ever of its kind in the greater Alberton area.
Please visit their website www.steppingstonehospice.co.za to learn more about the services they offer.
