What started as a small community-driven initiative to show appreciation to the nursing staff at Netcare Mulbarton Hospital unexpectedly took off when residents and businesses from various communities rallied behind the project.
Clinical psychologist Da Costa and psychiatrist Dr Mohanlal of the Mental Wellness Centre at Netcare Mulbarton Hospital initially aimed to attract donations for food platters as a treat for frontline staff, but were totally unprepared for the enthusiastic response they received from the community and businesses.
Da Costa and Dr Mohanlal, who led the recent initiative, said that frontline health care workers such as their colleagues at Netcare Mulbarton Hospital have not shied away from the challenges Covid-19 presented and have given their all during this difficult time.
“When Dr Mohanlal and I decided to embark on this special community project to give back to the health care workers, who have been fighting a daily battle to keep our communities safe, we had no idea just how much support from the public we would receive,” said Da Costa.
While Da Costa and Dr Mohanlal initially sought to provide treats for around 140 nurses, the response from the community was so overwhelmingly positive that they secured enough platters to serve tasty snacks to each and every person working at Netcare Mulbarton Hospital.
“Residents within various communities, some of whom have had loved ones with Covid-19 admitted to hospital, as well as persons who had lost family members to the disease, came out in full force to support the project,” said Da Costa.
Gratitude knew no bounds when all security, catering, cleaning, technical, administrative and nursing staff, as well as medical practitioners and the management at Netcare Mulbarton Hospital were treated to tasty platters of food.
“All of this is thanks to an initiative that was enthusiastically supported by the community and businesses to show appreciation for the hospital staff’s dedication and commitment to the fight against Covid-19,” said Da Costa.
“We are also grateful for the support of businesses, including Roman’s Pizza, Osteria Rossa, Owl Day Care, Tiddly Winks Play School, Cremalat Cheese and Bem Bom,” added Da Costa.
“To see the effort that the community put into thanking the hospital staff served as a reminder to them that their hard work, dedication and commitment do not go unnoticed.
“We would like to thank all of the individuals and companies who so willingly contributed. The gesture was most appreciated and boosted the morale of the staff at the hospital,” concluded Nellie Koen, general manager for Netcare Mulbarton Hospital.
Issued by MNA on behalf of Netcare Mulbarton Hospital
