Birthday girl gets hit by car

Christine* who lives at St Mary’s Children’s Home, in Rosettenville, ended up spending her 17th birthday in the South Rand Hospital, after an accident in Bellavista.

On Sunday, April 17, her house mother, Mom Joyce, was taking her by car to see some friends so she could celebrate part of her special day with them.

Christine’s cellphone had no airtime so Joyce stopped at a shop in Bellavista. Christine bought airtime and as she was walking back to the car, a motorist hit her.

In the few minutes following the accident, while Joyce leaped out of the car to see how badly injured the girl was, someone stole Christine’s handbag, which contained a R50 note which she had been given for her birthday, and a tablet. Her phone was also smashed by a passing vehicle.

Paramedics arrived on scene quickly, as did police officers. Christine suffered lacerations on her chin, nose, elbow and her leg. She was also in shock and was taken to the South Rand Hospital in the ambulance, with Joyce escorting her.

Unpleasant experience

Christine’s nightmare became worse as she was left unattended for hours while other patients, who arrived after her, were treated.

Nurse Jenny, from St Mary’s, arrived at the hospital a short while later and was told that only one person at a time could be with Christine.

“I phoned Sonja Harmse, director of the children’s home, to tell her Christine had been in an accident and that I wasn’t allowed in to be with her and Mom Joyce,” said Jenny.

“What transpired at the hospital was shocking and Christine was treated in a terrible manner. Joyce and Jenny explained to the nursing staff it was the teen’s 17th birthday and asked if she could be attended to, so they could at least try to save some of her special day, but the staff refused,” said Sonja.

“I’m very annoyed that she had to experience such awful treatment, which only made her more upset.

“She wasn’t even put on a bed so she could rest and, when the doctor eventually stitched her leg, she needed six stitches and was put in a wheelchair and had to prop her leg up on a table. This is despicable – and even more so for a child,” said Sonja.

Eventually Christine, Joyce and Jenny left the hospital at 17:00, returning to St Mary’s, where all the children had gathered, anxious to know if Christine was okay.

“The whole incident was a nightmare, made far worse by losing her belongings and then the way she was treated. I’m disgusted,” added Sonja.

Even though Christine’s 17th birthday has come and gone, if there is anyone who would like to donate a cellphone or a tablet, this would at least help to make up for the distressing day she experienced. Anyone who can help can phone Sonja on 011 435 3820 or 083 267 3515.

According to W/O Lorraine van Emmerik, communication officer for the Booysens SAPS, a case of reckless and negligent driving has been opened and the matter is currently under investigation.

The CHRONICLE asked South Rand Hospital for comment, but at the time of going to print, none had been received.

* Not her real name.