Three years of fundraising has finally paid off for the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital which now boasts a newly-upgraded emergency centre. 

The Children’s Hospital Trust’s fundraising team raised a total of R122 million and the Western Cape government contributed another R1 164 193. The rest was funded by various donors. 

Annually, the hospital cares for over 250 000 patients and its latest addition is the only paediatric emergency centre that operates 24/7 in Southern Africa. 

More than just a symbol of hope

Staff and management believe the hospital is a symbol of hope but for one parent it is so much more.

In August 2021, Tershia Africa, her husband, and son Noah, were involved in a car accident. 

‘We had just come from another hospital with Noah for his circumcision. A taxi jumped the red robot, causing our car to flip over,” Tershia explained.

Tershia and Noah were taken to a private hospital which required immediate payment of R20 000. Of the three, Noah sustained the most injuries, including facial abrasions. 

The ambulance driver then recommended taking them to Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.

‘I told him I had been there before a couple of times and always received great service. We then rerouted to the Red Cross and I’m very, very grateful for the service we received,” she said. 

“The donors made it possible for us to come to the hospital and get 100% patient care.”

World-class facility

Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, thanked all those who helped make the world-class facility a reality. 

“This project has been made possible thanks to the dedicated staff at the hospital, the many other generous donors, and the WC government. Thank you for putting our children’s healthcare first,” said Winde.

He continued: “The Hospital’s Emergency Centre serves 45 000 children a year and 53% of the little patients are under the age of five while 25% are under one. Most of these patients come from impoverished communities and rely on governmental hospitalisation.” – Health-e News