Usually, getting a child to a hospital involves arguments and wrestling the little one to the appointment, because of fear of needles and the intimidating big machinery, but all of that was changed for a bunch of Grade R learners from Humpty Dumpty Pre-School, who visited Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital on Friday, 23 August.
The group of learners from this Randpark Ridge-based school were treated to a mind-blowing tour around the hospital where they learned so much about how a hospital functions.
Celia de Koker, the hospital’s marketing and communications coordinator, who led the tour, explained the purpose of the visit. “The Grade R class, ranging from five to six years of age, came to the hospital just for a general observation and to see what the hospital is all about so that they aren’t scared when they visit it in the future.”
“We took them to various wards including the paediatric; maternity, where we showed them new babies; theatre, where they learnt about the different machines, and the ambulance unit,” she explained, adding that VitalMed paramedics were used to demonstrate what an ambulance service does on a daily basis.
After the tour, the children got an exciting opportunity to snap photos with the paramedics and Rusty, the rhino mascot who gifted each child with a goodie bag.
Teacher Michelle Watson reflected on the visit. “The children had a great time experiencing the different wards and I think it will put them at ease when they have to visit the hospital as patients one day,” she said.
She concluded by thanking the wonderful hospital staff for their generosity on the day.
