Behind every act of care is a team of dedicated hearts. Our staff are the soul of our palliative care mission – bringing compassion, dignity, and humanity to every moment. This World Hospice Palliative Care Day, we honour their commitment and the difference they make every day.

In this quiet moment, the heart of palliative care is clear – compassion, dignity, and human connection. Our carers walk alongside patients with love and presence, offering more than just care – they offer comfort, respect, and unwavering support.

A kind soul bought white shirts from our Port Alfred charity shop, tie-dyed them with care, and donated them back to help us raise more funds. Acts like this remind us that compassion comes in many colours, and that every gesture, no matter how small, can brighten someone’s world.

These handmade blankets and knitted squares, lovingly crafted by our community, will soon wrap our patients in warmth and comfort. In palliative care, it’s often the simplest gestures, like a soft blanket, that offer the greatest dignity and love.

Palliative care is not just about medicine – it’s about presence. In a gentle embrace, a steady hand, or a quiet moment shared, our carers bring peace and comfort when words fall short.

Not many things refresh us like a good, gentle clean.

Our Doctor students enjoying a morning with a patient.

Where there is a will, we will make a way.

Inspiring the future palliative care work force! St Bernard’s Hospice plays a critical role in supporting the Walter Sisulu University Final Year Medical Doctor Students in being exposed to Palliative Care.

One of our fur friends came to visit a patient to bring some love

Our Nurse Services Manager always finding time to “care on patients” braiding her hair – this patient used to call the nurse services Manager – Hairdresser

A volunteer who is a hairdresser by trade – spending time chatting to a patient who is unable to speak, but completely understands when spoken to – enjoying the company and conversation, this very same volunteer comes in to treat the ladies with a hairdo – regularly.

A volunteer who is a hairdresser by trade – spending time chatting to a patient who is unable to speak, but completely understands when spoken to – enjoying the company and conversation, this very same volunteer comes in to treat the ladies with a hairdo – regularly.

We believe “Love is what you do not what you say”!

A staff member giving a patient a much-needed hug

A patient’s funeral being attended by staff and patients

Patients getting “feet care”

A patient reading to another patients

A patient enjoying some painting therapy

Our CEO celebrating her birthday with patients and staff

Our resident Doctor & Nurse Services Manager spending quality time with patients during monthly check ups

Colleen Bouw (Stepping Stone Hospice staff member) with patient, Mr Skinner, enjoying the beautiful weather outside.

Stepping Stone Hospice careworkers and nurses have a blissful moment with Mr Skinner at their garden.

What a beautiful day it was watching our patient Debbie Palk steping outside to embrace the warmth of Mother Nature’s spring awakening.

Seasoned nurse Sr Engela is glad to return to our Stepping Stone Hospice family and describes caring for children with life-limiting illnesses [at Stepping Stone Hospice Children’s Unit] as the best experience ever.

Late Silvio Batista, who was blind and deaf, joyfully celebrated his last Christmas in December 2024, surrounded by his loving family, creating beautiful memories that will forever be treasured. His courage and spirit touched everyone who knew him.

Beloved counsellor, Ruby Evrard, with therapy dogs, which act as social catalysts

Behind every gentle smile, every tender moment, and every act of care, you’ll find our incredible nurses and care workers who don’t just provide medical support, pour their hearts into everything they do.

At Stepping Stone Hospice’s Children’s Unit in Raceview, parents are given the time they need to cherish precious moments with their little ones, as they navigate the challenges of life-limiting illnesses with love and support.

A caring smile from our dedicated careworker, Mzi, as he spends precious time with Karabo, bringing comfort and warmth to his journey at our Children’s Unit.

Standing a guard of honour when the deceased is being fetched by the funeral parlour, forms part of our care for that patient and their family. Our staff will wait until the hearse leaves the premises before they will walk back into the In-Patient Unit – a gesture showing our final respects to the patient, even in death.

Careworker, Thuli Temba, spends time with Lulo, our first young patient at Stepping Stone Hospice’s Children’s Unit in Raceview.

Beloved counsellor Ruby Evrard offers our late patient the heartfelt chance to pet therapy dogs, bringing comfort and upliftment during their final days.

There’s something truly magical about the bonds that form here – friendships built on understanding, shared laughter, and genuine care for one another.

Like Karabo (right), Ntando (left) also lives with cerebral palsy, and seeing how naturally they’ve connected reminds us once again of the power of shared experiences.

We often meet families who come to us carrying a heavy weight – not just grief, but also uncertainty and misconceptions about what palliative care truly means.

We want to gently set the record straight, because this kind of care is one of the most profound gifts we can offer to a person and their loved ones. Palliative care is not about giving up. It’s about adapting care to what matters most to the patient – their comfort, their dignity, their peace.

Curative and palliative care are not opposites; in many cases, they walk hand in hand. It’s not only for the elderly. Palliative care is for people of all ages, including new-borns, children, and young adults, anyone facing a serious illness who deserves to be seen, heard, and cared for as a whole person.

It’s not just about managing pain. It’s about tending to the emotional, spiritual, social, and psychological needs of a person and of their family. It’s about making sure no one faces their hardest moments alone.

And perhaps most beautifully – it’s not the end of a relationship between a patient and their care team. It can be the deepest, most trusting relationship of all. Here at Stepping Stone Hospice, this is the heart of everything we do. We believe that every life deserves to be honoured – not just at its beginning, but all the way to its end. If you or someone you love needs support, or if you simply want to learn more about palliative care, we are here. Always.

On Mandela Day, the GBV girls from Ladies of Hope gave back to the community in a heartfelt way. They spent time at the IPU, where they gently massaged the feet of the patients suffering with arthritis.

This act of kindness brought comfort, relief and smiles to the elderly, reflecting the spirit of compassion and service that Mandela Day embodies.

Dignified care at the IPU.

At Ladies of Hope’s IPU, one of our dedicated caregivers gently feeds a patient with care and compassion.

This simple, yet powerful act, reflects our commitment to upholding dignity and nurturing those who need it most, in a warm, supportive environment.

Meet Nyeleti
Admitted to Lambano Sanctuary in late 2024 with meningitis and cerebral palsy. What began as a fever quickly escalated, revealing cysts on her brain. With loving care from our medical team, Nyeleti began to improve, and her mom was gently prepared for discharge through our home-based care training.

Our team taught her how to feed Nyeleti via a nasogastric (NG) tube – a temporary method to ease feeding. Nyeleti was discharged on October 29th and began spinal therapy for scoliosis, a common complication of cerebral palsy.

Following discharge, we visited Nyeleti’s home and continue to support her family, reminding them that Lambano’s psychosocial team is just a call away.

Meet Zuzu
Born at just six months, I spent four long months in hospital while my tiny lungs grew stronger. I have Chronic Lung Disease and still need oxygen, so the doctors sent me to Lambano Sanctuary.

There, Mama got her own bed beside mine, and the nurses gave me a blankie and teddy. The psychosocial team supported Mama and Bama while the doctors slowly reduced my oxygen. I did so well, Mama started smiling again.

After two weeks off oxygen, I was ready to go home. Lambano loaned us a concentrator just in case. A month later, they visited and were thrilled to see me still breathing on my own. We’re so grateful for the love and care we received as a family.

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Meet Thando
Thando arrived at Lambano Sanctuary in late 2024 with Diabetic Ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication caused by dangerously high blood sugar. Her symptoms had developed rapidly, and our team quickly began investigating the cause.

They discovered Thando had been regularly consuming sugary treats at school, unaware that her body couldn’t process sugar like other children. She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a chronic condition where the pancreas no longer produces insulin, making blood sugar regulation a daily challenge.

With warmth and care, our home-based team guided Thando’s mama through managing her daughter’s condition – teaching her how to monitor sugar levels and adjust Thando’s diet to keep her safe and thriving.

Meet Amahle
Amahle arrived at Lambano Sanctuary in early 2025 with epilepsy, hydrocephalus, and stroke-related complications. For months, she’d been in and out of hospital due to fluid buildup on her brain. Each time her shunt (a small drainage tube) blocked, she needed another operation. The pressure eventually led to a stroke, leaving her unable to move or play with her twin sister.

At Lambano, Amahle received gentle care while her mama was trained to manage feeding through an NG tube. Our psychosocial team supported the family throughout, ensuring they felt held and heard. After discharge, we visited their home to continue that care.

Today, Amahle is slowly regaining movement and beginning to speak again. Her twin sister has her playmate back – and Mama, her hope.

Meet Benecio
Born on October 16, 2024, Benecio entered the world with Lobar Holoprosencephaly and a cleft palate – conditions that made breathing and feeding nearly impossible. He spent his first days in ICU, relying on oxygen, and was later fitted with a PEG feeding tube to receive vital nutrition.

When he arrived at Lambano Sanctuary in November, he was underweight and fragile. But with gentle, specialised care and the unwavering support of our team, Benecio began to thrive. Day by day, he gained strength, weight, and his beautiful smile returned.

By February 2025, Benecio was ready to go home – healthier, happier, and full of hope. His journey is a powerful reminder of how early intervention and compassionate paediatric care can transform even the most fragile beginnings into stories of resilience.

A Palliative Care Nurse walks hand-in-hand with a child whose parent is receiving care. Midlands Hospice in Howick, South Africa, cares for and supports many patients in their homes. 30% of the patients are children. This depiction highlights the enduring relationships our care team builds as they care for these young patients from their toddler years into adulthood.

Through our dedicated disclosure programs, both guardians and children are empowered to navigate through some of life’s most challenging moments.

This photograph is not just a snapshot; it represents our commitment to compassion, support, and the importance of community in palliative care.

“Oh the places we will go to and the conversations we will have!”
A Hospice Community Care Worker meets a young girl on her way home from school. Twice a month, until adulthood, our team journeys with children living with HIV and their guardians, offering guidance as they navigate growing up with the realities of their diagnosis. Our Disclosure Program remains one of the most valuable aspects of palliative care in the community. Often this includes walking with families through the delicate process of disclosure, helping the child understand their status, and offering hope for a full and normal life through treatment adherence.

The photograph beautifully captures a heartwarming moment that highlights the deep connection between our palliative care nurse and the family she serves. In this scene, the nurse holds a chicken, a gift from the proud grandchild of the patient about to be visited. The child reflects the joy and innocence of youth, adding a touch of lightness to the complexities of the care environment.
This image symbolizes the nature of our care, especially in rural areas where the needs are profound, yet resources can be so scarce. Every interaction, no matter how small, can foster a sense of community and support. The nurse’s gentle demeanor and the grandchild’s pride illustrate the essence of companionship we strive to provide, reminding us that these moments of connection are vital in navigating life’s challenges together.

This image encapsulates the essence of companionship and support that defines our care approach.
Our palliative care nurse, who has walked alongside this patient through the complexities of grief following the unexpected loss of his wife, embodies a spirit of hope and resilience. As she engages with him, their shared journey of navigating multiple losses, including his battle with cancer, is palpable.
This scene not only highlights the unwavering support our team provides but also honors the dignity of life, reminding us that even in the face of hardship, moments of connection and understanding can provide comfort and solace. Together, they illustrate our commitment to honoring life in all its stages, fostering hope, and ensuring that no one faces their challenges alone.

Serving the community for 43 years. South Coast Hospice did a Palliative Care Awareness campaign at the South Coast Mall. They did basic health checks, and the team was led by our clinical manager Sr Dina Thorncroft. Sr Lindiwe Bhengu was there creating awareness in the community with regard to people living with mental health challenges, which is part of our palliative care program.

Bringing sunshine and dignity to people in our community.

Walking together with the patient and their family members to ease suffering and bring comfort.

Mr Cele*, always happy to get a visit by the Hospice Team.

South Coast Hospice – going the extra mile to take care and support to the community; often walking where our vehicles cannot drive to ensure no one is left behind.

“Courage at the Doorstep”

Mary Botha’s radiant smile greets our hospice nurse at every visit, a powerful contrast to the pain she quietly endures. After bravely completing treatment for stomach cancer and celebrating remission, she now faces its return, with spread to the liver and no further treatment options. Yet, her spirit remains unshaken. Hospice stands by her with pain and symptom management, emotional encouragement, and food parcels that bring relief to her and her family. The heart of her home, as her warmth still fills the room. Mary’s grace embodies courage, resilience, and the comfort of compassionate care.

“Hands That Hold Us”

Maureen Tait, living with gastric cancer, has allowed hospice to walk closely beside her on a deeply personal journey. Frail but full of grace, she warmly welcomes each visit, finding comfort in the care brought directly to her home-blood tests, symptom management, and relief from long clinic waits.

Once the caregiver for her husband after his stroke, Maureen now receives the same compassion she once gave. She treasures the small gestures-food parcels, fresh flowers, a listening ear. Her strength, gratitude, and quiet resilience reflect the heart of hospice: presence, dignity, and unwavering support through life’s most fragile moments.

“Steps of Courage”

Mrs. Lizeka Sogiba, The breadwinner in her home, admitted on 11 March 2024… after a stroke left her unable to walk and very depressed, she believed she’d never move unaided again. Through the unwavering care of our caregiver Jackie, and with hospice’s holistic support, Mrs. Sogiba is now walking with renewed hope. Living with diabetes and hypertension, her journey has been challenging, but hospice provided not only medical guidance and emotional encouragement, but also vital support for her devoted husband and youngest child. Her transformation is a powerful testament to the impact of compassionate care, restoring dignity, purpose, and connection within her family with the support of the Hospice team.

“A Circle of Support”

Justine Meyer, 14 years old, lives with cerebral palsy and autism, yet her spirit speaks volumes through her deep bond with her mother. Despite facing complex challenges-her mother’s struggle with addiction and her grandmother’s tireless efforts to support the family-Justine radiates love and innocence. Hospice has become a vital presence, offering ongoing emotional and social support that wraps around the family like a safety net. Every visit brings connection, stability, and care tailored to Justine’s unique needs. Her story is one of unseen strength and the powerful impact of compassion in the most vulnerable comers of childhood.