Altruists breathe new life into KZN Children’s Hospital
The South African Women's Forte are hoping to raise R1-million rand to facilitate the revamp of the first specialised paediatric facility in the province - The Addington Children's Hospital.
IT has been estimated that more than 4 000 infants and children under the age of five die in KwaZulu-Natal every year. Rita Abraham, the president of The South African Women’s Forte (SAWF) believes that this alarming statistic is due to a lack of specialised paediatric facilities in the province.
“Currently there are only four children’s hospitals in Africa – two in Egypt, one in Nairobi and one in Cape Town, the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. This is shocking compared to the 19 and 157 children’s hospitals in Australia and United States respectively,” said the Durban North altruist.
This has inspired the SAWF to support the fundraising efforts for the revival of the KwaZulu-Natal Children’s Hospital, which has been dilapidated for many decades.
The hospital, formerly known as The Addington Children’s Hospital, was established in 1931 as a facility to cater to the medical needs of children from all races, however due to the apartheid pressure the hospital was shut down in the late 1980s and fell into disrepair. However, since 2010 the KZN Department of Health and the KZN Children’s Hospital Trust have been striving to renovate and refurbish the ruined and neglected building.
“Vandalism, thefts and vagrancy have taken their toll on the once beautiful building, leaving it in a dilapidated state. Almost all of the fittings in the buildings have been stolen or vandalised. We are hoping to raise R1-million to assist with the renovation of the hospital – specifically a section which will be used as a therapy area for children with cerebral palsy,” said La Lucia resident and the SAWF vice-president, Michelle Michael.
The construction and renovation of the hospital officially began in February 2012, and the first building was officially opened to patients in July 2013. However, to complete the renovations an additional R385-million is required. When complete, the hospital will comprise of seven buildings, four of which will be heritage buildings (buildings older than 60 years).
The SAWF’s Halloween themed fundraiser dinner, to be held at the Durban ICC will take place on 31 October from 6pm. Entrance costs R500 per person. Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed. The SAWF also encouraged companies and members of the public to pledge donations towards the worthy cause.
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