January of 2013 was an unlucky beginning for us. My young son suddenly became ill, complaining of a sore throat and then developed a fever. ...
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January of 2013 was an unlucky beginning for us. My young son suddenly became ill, complaining of a sore throat and then developed a fever.
Later it was swollen, stiff joints. He cried in pain. And he could barely walk. At East Boom Street clinic, we were referred to Northdale hospital for more tests. The doctor on duty was efficient and said my son needed to be admitted for further observation.
This was a safety measure after noticing symptoms similar to rheumatic fever. We were all worried, not knowing how my son would cope.
But the atmosphere in the children’s ward soon put our fears at ease. The staff was friendly; pictures of African folklores painted on walls and often staff was seen playing with the sick children, reading them books. Mothers were relaxed. Though our first day was confusing, being the only male parent in the ward, we soon became part of the family.
But the atmosphere in the children’s ward soon put our fears at ease. The staff was friendly; pictures of African folklores painted on walls and often staff was seen playing with the sick children, reading them books. Mothers were relaxed. Though our first day was confusing, being the only male parent in the ward, we soon became part of the family.
The staff offered a reassuring welcome with smiles. “We cater for a lot of children; some are abandoned and very sick children who need specialised care. We all try to bring back smiles to children to feel loved and not get homesick,” explained the ward operational manager, Thembi Mkhabela. “We all try to bring back smiles to the children...”
F paediatric ward has 36 beds catering for all including burns and surgical patients aged from two weeks to twelve years. On admission, parents are educated on the various ward’s operations. In addition, they also offer immunisation, TB, and HIV testing and counselling to parents and children.
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| Diaries of a Father: Three Days in Hospital with my Son |
“We also assist with dietary tips, physiological support, birth and breastfeeding, and social grants registration for children. We try to be on the same level as our patients so we can interact with them,” added Mkhabela.
The following morning, I woke to a soft singing from the next compartment; a daily morning prayer to start the day! A handover is swiftly done with a brief on each patient’s progress, then a staff meeting. A healthy breakfast and medication are offered before the doctors’ rounds. The doctors always had time for us.
The following morning, I woke to a soft singing from the next compartment; a daily morning prayer to start the day! A handover is swiftly done with a brief on each patient’s progress, then a staff meeting. A healthy breakfast and medication are offered before the doctors’ rounds. The doctors always had time for us.
Even when taking blood samples, she comforted my son assuring him that he will be fine. “We try to retain our experienced staff, and always have a good spirit and remain motivated. It is a challenging but enjoyable profession,” Mkhabela explained.
By the second day, my son was showing signs of recovery. He ran with other kids on the jungle gym and raced away on bicycles. On the third, it was that sad moment we said our final goodbyes. Our heartfelt thanks to all Northdale hospital paediatric ward F staff. Your caring work saved our son’s life.
By the second day, my son was showing signs of recovery. He ran with other kids on the jungle gym and raced away on bicycles. On the third, it was that sad moment we said our final goodbyes. Our heartfelt thanks to all Northdale hospital paediatric ward F staff. Your caring work saved our son’s life.
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