Heamophilia is a rare bleeding disorder that prevents the blood from clotting properly.
Global healthcare company, Novo Nordisk sponsored the refurbishment of the hospital’s hydrotherapy facility, which had been out of use for some time.
The newer and better facility was revealed on the day in observance of World Haemophilia Day.
According to director of Novo Nordisk SA’s Biopharm Division, Rennie Naidoo, the facility is used to provide low-impact physiotherapy, not only for haemophilia patients, but also for patients requiring physical and neurological rehabilitation after surgery, injuries, accidents and strokes.
“The benefits for people living with haemophilia will include better pain management, improved muscle strength and a greater range of movement, as well as the opportunity to relax and enjoy much-needed recreation,” added Naidoo.
Tebogo Mphahlele is not only a patient, but his trials and triumphs have seen him become a heamophilia activist as well.
Speaking at the opening of the new pool, Mphahlele said the most important thing to have as a heamophilia patient was a supportive family which he had, not only in his immediate family, but also in the hospital staff and patients at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital.
Mphahlele has had his knee replaced and will be embarking on a walk from Centurion to Johannesburg in an effort to raise awareness about cHead of the Haemophilia Comprehensive Care unit, Prof. Johnny Mahlangu said positive stories lsuch as Mphahlele’s were shared in order to get the message out there.
The hospital’s public relations manager Lungiswa Mvumvu thanked Novo Nordisk for choosing then as a beneficiary of their sponsorship.
“You could have done this for any other hospital, but you chose Charlotte Maxeke and for that we are grateful,” she said.
