Dedicated volunteers bid farewell to Hillcrest Hospital
The group of volunteers fondly known as Cottage Industry ladies, taught a number of patients with varying disabilities various skills such as painting, knitting crocheting, weaving and card making.
A GROUP of women, who volunteered their services at the Hillcrest Government Hospital, have been forced to disband after not being able to offer their services due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The Cottage Industry ladies, as they were known, taught patients skills such as painting, knitting crocheting, weaving and card making.
This was done to provide patients with the opportunity to create something, sell it and make a little pocket money for themselves.
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Most of the patients at the hospital suffer with hypertension, heart disease, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), hemiplegia, paraplegia, quadriplegia, head injury, dementia, psychiatric disease and congenital diseases.
One of the women who volunteered, Pat Kirk, said after 20 years, the Cottage Industry ladies had no choice but to bid a sad and reluctant farewell to the patients, many of whom have become friends.
The team was created due to the inspiration of one woman, Pam Herd, 20 odd years ago.
“Pam had volunteers from the community to help out with getting to know the needs of the patients. Then after five, she, a skills trainer, formed a band of dedicated people.
Kirk said they met each Monday morning in the Occupational Therapy department to teach and encourage the patients to improve their skills and learn new ones.
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“They were enthusiastic and enjoyed working together and socialising.
The group worked with a number of patients with varying disabilities. Some were paralysed, either on one side of the body or all four limbs, while others were unable to walk due to varying problems and some had limited use of their hands.
Kirk said they have fond memories at the hospital and one of their highlights was when one patient, Nonhlanhla learned to paint with her mouth.
“To achieve the standard of work they did required an enormous amount of concentration and effort, however, when they produced a finished item it gave them a great sense of satisfaction,” said Kirk.
She thanked the occupational therapy staff for their co-operation and support. “Without the support of them and the hospital, we would not have been able to function.”
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The dedicated women also ran a thrift shop and Kirk mentioned that without donations from the public this would not have been possible.
“Goods were sold and the proceeds helped to purchase materials for the crafts and the odd braai or party for the patients,” said Kirk.
In light of their closure, the materials and thrift store items have been donated to the Valley of a 1000 Hill’s Trust, where they will be put to good use.
“As a group of volunteers, we also gained a lot from our time with the patients, who we will miss very much. We would sincerely like to thank all who gave donations to the cottage industries, either in materials, unwanted items, money or time. We wouldn’t have been able to continue over the years without your valued support,” she added.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
