Alberton, Johannesburg South – The Martelise Meaker Children’s In-Patient Unit has officially opened its doors in Alberton, offering much-needed holistic and palliative care to young patients aged 0 to 18 years who are facing life-limiting illnesses. This new facility, located at 12 Glen Albyn Street, Raceview, is the fourth Hospice in-patient pediatric unit in South Africa.
The Martelise Meaker Unit was named in honour of the first child patient cared for by Stepping Stone Hospice. The unit aims to provide specialised care and support to both the young patients and their families, offering a compassionate environment that caters to their physical and emotional needs. The facility boasts 10 beds, with three rooms designed to accommodate parents staying overnight, all to create a stress-free and supportive space.
Tersia Burger, CEO of Stepping Stone Hospice and deputy chairperson of the Association of Palliative Care Centres (APCC), expressed pride in contributing to the growth of pediatric palliative care in Gauteng. “We are excited to bring a distinct flagship to the Alberton community and contribute to the development of pediatric palliative care in South Africa,” she said.
Honouring Martelise’s Legacy
Martelise’s mother, Maritha Meaker, was filled with emotion at the unit’s opening, stating, “Many of us have looked forward to this moment for a long time. I’m utterly amazed by what the Hospice team has achieved. It’s an honour to have the unit named after Martelise, and I’m proud to be part of this journey.”
The unit is not just a tribute to Martelise’s resilience but also a beacon of hope for countless children and their families. Stepping Stone Hospice board member Percy Howroyd, who has a background in the building industry, remarked on the significance of the new unit: “This facility is like a bright light for the Alberton community. It’s wonderful to be part of something that will have such a profound impact.”
Addressing a Growing Need
The need for pediatric palliative care in South Africa is significant, with between 800,000 and 1 million children requiring such care. Tersia Burger emphasised this, sharing how the emotional opening highlighted the urgent need for facilities like the Martelise Meaker Unit.
“There is often a reluctance to associate illness and death with children, but the sad reality is that many young patients are in need of the care we provide,” she explained. Despite these challenges, the Martelise Meaker Unit offers a place of solace and healing for the most vulnerable.
In addition to providing care, the unit faces its own operational needs. One of the immediate concerns is the need for a generator to ensure continuous oxygen supply for patients. The community is encouraged to support the unit by making donations. For more information or to contribute, contact Stepping Stone Hospice at 010 442 5059 or via email at tersia@steppingstonehospice.co.za.
The Martelise Meaker Children’s In-Patient Unit stands as a testament to the power of compassion, a mother’s promise, and the importance of providing dignified care for all children facing life-threatening conditions.
By Sibongile Sokela
