Groote Schuur Hospital Appreciation Wednesday hero: Develin Basson

Develin Basson, an Administration Clerk at Groote Schuur Hospital is today’s Appreciation Wednesday hero. The campaign seeks to give appreciation to ordinary heroes who are inspiring others during the Covid-19 pandemic.
 

For the past four years, he has worked in the hospital’s assets management unit, which oversees all assets at the hospital. Doing stock-taking, accepting new stock, disposing old stock and moving stock is the primary work done in my department, says Develine (24), who lives in Manenberg. “During Covid-19 our priorities have had to change in terms of what we do. Everyone had to contribute in the department prioritising wards that were normal wards but had to be converted to become Covid-19 wards. So far, our team has converted 17 wards at the hospital. Moving equipment into the new wards and making it Covid-19 safe is part of the contribution that our department has had to do.”

What motivates Develin to come to work is the satisfaction he gains from serving the public. “I appreciate my job because there are so many others who don’t have work. Having friendly colleagues make things easier at work, especially if they have a good sense of humour. I appreciate how staff care for each other. Staff are protecting each other so that others cannot contract Covid-19.”

In terms of ways in which the hospital has made the workplace safer, Develin explains that extra resources were supplemented to ensure his department was able to perform its duties. “Management also has an open-door policy and listens to us if we have any concerns related to Covid-19.”

As this is an anxious time for everyone, he urges everyone to equip themselves with accurate information. “Be considerate to others. Start with yourself, tell yourself what must do to be safe and if you can protect yourself you will protect the other person too.”

The hospital is encouraging people to visit its Heroes of Groote Schuur Hospital Facebook page to leave a message of support to Develine and his colleagues.

Photo caption: Develin Basson working at Groote Schuur Hospital.